Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent today at a French airbase, outlining a proposal for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. This unexpected agreement comes shortly after Zelenskyy initiated a similar arrangement for Swedish-made Gripen fighters. The French president’s office characterized the signing as “historic,” although it clarified that this does not constitute a formal sales contract yet.
The proposal aims to facilitate the procurement of advanced military equipment from France’s defense sector over a projected timeframe of ten years. According to the French president’s office, the deal may also encompass air defense systems and additional military technologies. “This document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defense industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine’s combat aviation, SAMP/T air-defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs,” Zelenskyy stated on social media platform X. He expressed gratitude towards France and its citizens for their support in bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
During the signing ceremony, Macron emphasized the significance of this agreement, describing it as essential for the revitalization of the Ukrainian military. As Ukraine continues to face ongoing aggression from Russia, the country is keen to modernize its air force, which currently comprises a mix of Soviet-era and Western-designed aircraft, including the MiG-29 and the US-made F-16.
This latest agreement reflects Ukraine’s strategic focus on upgrading its aerial platforms through both urgent assistance and planned acquisitions. A French official noted that the goal of the letter is to equip Kyiv with the necessary systems to confront Russian threats effectively. The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, represents France’s most advanced fighter jet, with its capabilities expected to remain relevant until the development of the Future Combat Air System in the 2040s.
In a timely move ahead of the announcement, Ukraine’s air force posted a video showcasing a Ukrainian-operated French-made Mirage 2000 jet on a “combat mission,” hinting at the forthcoming deal. This gesture underscores the urgency and anticipation surrounding Ukraine’s military enhancements as it seeks to secure a stronger defensive posture against external threats.
The acquisition of Rafale fighters would mark a significant step in the modernization of Ukraine’s military assets, reinforcing its capacity to safeguard national interests and respond to current geopolitical challenges.
