A a “historic” signature, a turning point which occurred at a very difficult time in the ongoing war with Russia.La France and Ukraine have actually signed an agreement which involves the acquisition of up to 100 Rafale fighter aircraft by Kievas well as drones, radars and air defense systems.
The signing, which took place at Villacoublay’s headquarters during Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Paris, represents France’s most significant commitment to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion. The aircraft will be delivered in the next ten yearsexplained President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile Production of the drones and interceptors is expected to begin later this year.
For Zelensky, the agreement will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian advances as the country faces internal pressure related to recent corruption scandals and attacks by new enemies in the east.
Agreement arrived at the gates of a winter that promised trouble for Kievamidst increasingly intense Russian missile attacks and a suffering eastern front. Macron confirmed that Paris will use its budget and European funding instruments to support the agreement, while France and the UK are preparing the headquarters of a multinational force in Mont Valérien that will likely be stationed in Ukraine after a possible ceasefire. According to Paris, 34 countries have offered to participate.
Zelensky described Paris as “one of the most productive visits of the year”. The Ukrainian leader then announced the delivery highly effective French radar, new Samp/T air defense system, air-to-air missiles and guided aerial bombs. “France is preparing a new military support package that we will get by the end of this year,” he added, also underscoring the intention to strengthen the two countries’ defense industrial cooperation.
Rafale, the fighter aircraft at the center of the agreement
The Rafale is the most advanced aircraft in the French fleet. Developed by Dassault Aviation and in service since the early 2000s, the Rafale is a “4.5 generation” multirole fighter aircraft. capable of conducting air combat, ground attacks, reconnaissance, and naval operations in the same mission.
Equipped with Aesa radar, advanced electronic warfare systems and a wide range of precision weaponscombines great handling, a speed that can exceed Mach 1.8 (more than 2 thousand km/h) and prolonged autonomy. Characteristics that have made him a protagonist in various French operations in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan.
For Ukraine, which has been engaged in defense against the Russian invasion for more than three years, the arrival of the Rafale, according to analysts quoted by the Kiyv Post, represents a significant technological leap compared to the Soviet era fleet still in use.
Their advanced capabilities in target detection, electronic protection, and effectiveness both in air combat and in the interception of missiles and drones responding directly to Kiev’s operational needs, which faced almost daily attacks and increasing pressure on the Eastern Front. Plus this Full compatibility with NATO standardsa key element for the transformation of the Ukrainian air force into a modern force and interoperable with Western allies.
An agreement with Paris also exists strong long-term strategic value: This ten-year plan aims to rebuild and consolidate Ukraine’s air capabilities after a possible ceasefire, ensuring a sufficient level of deterrence to deter future aggression.
As Macron recalled, lasting peace requires “a Ukrainian army capable of deterring new attacks.” Along with F-16s supplied by several European countries and the Swedish Gripen is plannedRafale will be one of the pillars of future Ukrainian aviationstrengthening its autonomy, resilience and security in the years to come.
