Ukraine signs historic deal for 100 French warplanes
Both countries have said Ukraine will buy up to 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets over the next 10 years under a new deal, as Kiev seeks to strengthen its defenses against Russian invasion.
Air defense systems, ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles were also included in the letter of intent signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in front of one of the jets and both flags on Monday.
“This will be one of the largest air defenses in the world, the largest air defense,” Zelenskiy told reporters at the event at France’s Villacoublay military airport.
Shares of Dassault, which manufactures the jets, soared on the news, rising 8 percent within hours.
The announcement follows reports of increased Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, as well as ground advances in Moscow’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.
Elysee said the letter of intent was a political commitment rather than a purchase agreement that would come later. The aim was to finance this through EU programs and the planned use of frozen Russian assets, which the EU still had to accept.
This covers new supplies rather than transfers from French stocks, the Elysee added.
Speaking to LCI TV, Macron said, “Rafales, we are planning 100 Rafales; this is a huge number. This is what is needed to renew the Ukrainian army.”
The goal, he added, is to help Ukraine with drones, drone interceptors and other equipment in the short term, and also to allow it to fight off any new attacks in the long term once a peace agreement is signed.
Both parties said the agreement includes the purchase of next-generation SAMP/T air defense batteries and AASM Hammer air-to-surface munitions, which are currently under development.
Talks have been under way for several weeks to see how France could provide more military support for Ukraine’s air defenses, but there are questions about how much Macron’s government can do as it grapples with political and budgetary instability.
France, along with Britain, has pushed for the formation of a coalition of about 30 countries willing to send troops and assets to Ukraine or along its western borders after a peace deal is signed with Russia.
Considering the stringent training schedule for pilots, operating the advanced Rafale jets will take time.
