Paris – Ukraine is set to receive up to 100 French-made Rafale F4 fighter jets and sophisticated air defence systems, following a “historic” agreement signed between President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, near Paris on Monday.
The significant military package is aimed at substantially boosting Ukraine’s ability to protect its territory against sustained and deadly Russian missile and drone attacks.
Key Details of the Agreement
Ukrainian President Zelensky hailed the signing of the letter of intent at a French air base, stating that the agreement marks a ten-year strategic partnership beginning next year.
- Fighter Jets: Ukraine is expected to receive up to 100 Dassault Rafale F4 multirole fighter jets. Deliveries are planned for completion by 2035.
- Air Defence: The package also includes eight advanced air defence systems and “very strong French radars,” according to President Zelensky.
- Drone Production: Joint production of interceptor drones is scheduled to begin this year.
- Financing: While financial details are still being finalised, reports indicate that France intends to seek funding from the European Union and potentially utilise frozen Russian assets—a controversial move that has previously caused divisions within the 27-member bloc.
“We’re planning Rafales, 100 Rafales – that’s huge. That’s what’s needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military,” President Macron stated alongside President Zelensky, adding that the goal was to help Kyiv prepare for future threats.
Context of Russian Attacks
The deal comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Moscow has recently increased its use of drones and missiles, targeting energy and rail facilities, leading to widespread blackouts and civilian casualties.
Kyiv and its Western allies have repeatedly described these strikes as potential war crimes. In the latest incident overnight, local officials reported that three people were killed and 15 were injured in a Russian missile attack on the north-eastern city of Balakliya.
President Zelensky stressed the vital importance of acquiring such advanced protection systems, noting that using them “means protecting someone’s life… this is very important.”
Ukraine’s Air Capabilities
The delivery of Rafales will mark a major upgrade to Ukraine’s air force, which already operates French Mirage warplanes and US-made F-16s. Kyiv also recently made a provisional agreement to acquire Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets.
Following his visit to France, President Zelensky is scheduled to travel to Spain to seek further military and financial backing. This diplomatic push follows a successful weekend trip to Greece, where Ukraine secured a gas deal that is expected to facilitate the flow of vital US liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the country via a pipeline across the Balkans this winter.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow currently controls approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, with Russian troops making slow advances along the extensive front line despite reports of substantial combat casualties.
Add Comment