Ukraine to buy 100 Rafale fighter jets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron have signed a joint declaration in Paris aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities and expanding industrial cooperation between the two countries.
According to President Zelenskyy, the agreement gives Ukraine access to advanced French military technologies, including the potential purchase of up to 100 Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets by 2035.
Other systems under consideration include SAMP/T air defense systems, radar units, air-to-air missiles, and guided aerial bombs.
In a statement, Zelenskyy said, “The document signed with France gives Ukraine the opportunity to purchase military equipment from the French defense industrial and technological base.”
He also announced that joint defense production efforts would begin this year. “Also, this year, joint projects between our defense industries will begin: we will jointly produce interceptor drones and work on the development of critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones,” he said.
The announcement follows France’s previous contributions of SCALP-EG cruise missiles, Caesar self-propelled howitzers, and short- and medium-range air defense equipment. Zelenskyy thanked France for its continued support.
“I thank France for the steps taken to strengthen our army and our country,” he stated.
The Rafale F4, one of Europe’s most capable fourth-generation fighters, features advanced radar, electronic warfare suites, and data-link systems tailored for high-threat environments. Its potential future integration into Ukraine’s air force would mark a major leap in capability and interoperability with NATO-aligned systems.
The SAMP/T air defense system, jointly developed by France and Italy, is designed to intercept cruise missiles, drones, and tactical ballistic missiles. Ukraine has emphasized its need for layered air defenses amid continued Russian strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.
