Ukraine Signs Historic Deal with France for 100 Rafale Fighter Jets and Advanced Air Defense Systems

Paris:

Ukraine signed a letter of intent on Monday to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets from France over the next decade, as announced by both nations' leaders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who formalized the agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, described it as "a historic deal" during their joint press conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The document indicates Ukraine's interest in acquiring French defense equipment.

"Firstly, Ukraine will be able to receive 100 Rafale fighter jets (and) very strong French radars — eight air-defense systems SAMP/T, each with six launching systems," Zelensky stated. "This is a strategic agreement that will work for 10 years, starting next year."

Macron remarked, "Today we're moving to a next step."

He explained that Monday's agreement encompasses the acquisition of France's latest-generation fighter jets with complete armament, alongside corresponding training and production programs.

The letter of intent also includes provisions for drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and next-generation SAMP/T ground-to-air systems, with initial deliveries expected within the next three years.

Air Force General Fabien Mandon, chief of the French defense staff, recently informed French senators that the European-made SAMP/T systems provided to Ukraine are demonstrating greater effectiveness against difficult-to-intercept Russian missiles compared to American-made Patriot batteries.

On his ninth visit to Paris since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Zelensky aims to bolster Ukraine's defensive capabilities as the country faces another winter of Russian attacks targeting energy infrastructure and other critical sites.

Earlier Monday, both leaders visited an air base near Paris before proceeding to the headquarters of a multinational force, dubbed the "coalition of the willing," which France and Britain have been organizing with more than 30 other nations to oversee an eventual ceasefire in Ukraine.

French officials indicate this force could deploy immediately following a ceasefire, positioned away from frontlines to help deter renewed Russian aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thus far rejected ceasefire proposals while his forces continue making incremental battlefield advances.

On Sunday, Zelensky posted on X about his anticipation of a "historic deal with France in Paris to strengthen our combat aviation and air defense." En route to France, he stopped in Greece to sign an agreement securing U.S. liquefied natural gas supplies for Ukraine.

Last month, Ukraine and Sweden reached an agreement exploring Ukraine's potential acquisition of up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets over the coming decade or longer. Ukraine has already received American F-16s and French Mirage aircraft.

France ranks among Ukraine's major defense assistance providers, supplying air defense systems and fighter jets.

According to General Mandon, Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense capabilities to counter Russian attacks, which average approximately 1,700 drones weekly plus missiles.

"We helped Ukraine by deploying missile and drone interception systems called the SAMP/T system. The Russians adapted the flight profiles of their most advanced missiles because they realized they were being intercepted by Ukrainian defenses. Today, the Patriot system is struggling to intercept them, but the SAMP/T is intercepting them," Mandon stated.