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

Macron celebrated the agreement as "a new step forward" in strengthening France-Ukraine relations.

Ukraine signed a letter of intent on Monday to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, drones, air defense systems, and additional critical equipment from France over the next decade, as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the country's long-term security capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who formalized the document alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, described it as "a historic deal" during their joint press conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The letter represents Ukraine's preliminary commitment to acquiring various French defense technologies.

"Ukraine will have access to 100 Rafale fighter jets and powerful French radar systems — eight SAMP/T air-defense systems, each equipped with six launching platforms," Zelenskyy announced. "This strategic agreement will be implemented over 10 years, beginning next year."

Macron highlighted the agreement as "a new step forward" in bilateral relations between France and Ukraine.

He explained that Monday's agreement includes France's most advanced generation of fighter jets with complete armaments, along with comprehensive training and production programs.

The Rafale represents France's most sophisticated fighter aircraft, featuring high-tech, delta-winged, multi-role capabilities renowned for exceptional maneuverability and operational efficiency. Having been deployed in French military operations across the Middle East and Africa, each aircraft carries an estimated price tag exceeding $100 million.

The letter of intent additionally covers the acquisition of drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and next-generation SAMP/T ground-to-air systems, with initial deliveries expected within the next three years, according to Macron.

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

No specific timeline was provided regarding the delivery schedule for the first Rafale aircraft.

A French government official noted that training a Rafale pilot requires a minimum of three years.

The official, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, stated that France possesses the manufacturing capacity to produce and accelerate Rafale production without needing to reallocate aircraft currently serving in the French military to supply Ukraine. The agreement with Ukraine will not disrupt Rafale deliveries to other international clients.

Dassault Aviation, the aircraft manufacturer, has sold more than 500 Rafales, with over 300 exported to countries including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, and Indonesia.

Zelenskyy, making his ninth visit to Paris since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, aims to strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities as the country faces another winter of Russian bombardment targeting energy infrastructure and other strategic assets.

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

"We are building a truly formidable air fleet for Ukraine," Zelenskyy stated. "Pilots who have experience with Mirage jets will not require a full year to master the operation of future Rafale aircraft—they will transition to them quickly."

France remains among the leading providers of defense assistance to Ukraine.

On Monday morning, Macron and Zelenskyy visited an air base in the Paris outskirts before proceeding to Mont Valérien, west of Paris, headquarters of a multinational force described as the "coalition of the willing" that France and Britain have been organizing with more than 30 other nations for potential deployment to Ukraine to monitor an eventual ceasefire.

French officials indicate that the force could be deployed immediately following a ceasefire and would be positioned away from frontline areas to help deter renewed Russian aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thus far rejected ceasefire proposals while his forces continue making gradual territorial advances.

No specifics were provided Monday regarding the financing structure for Ukraine's defense package. Kyiv is advocating for the use of frozen Russian assets to fund weapons purchases, though the European Union has not yet reached consensus on this approach.

"I believe we will ultimately reach an agreement to advance this initiative and enable the utilization of Russian assets for the European defense package, for Ukrainian production, and primarily for air defense systems from the United States of America," Zelenskyy stated.

Before arriving in Paris, Zelenskyy stopped in Greece on Sunday to sign an agreement securing U.S. liquefied natural gas supplies for Ukraine, and is scheduled to continue his European diplomatic tour with a visit to Spain on Tuesday.

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