Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reached a preliminary agreement with France for the purchase of up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, at a time when the country is increasingly turning to European suppliers to strengthen its air defenses.
The letter of intent signed during Zelensky’s trip to Paris also includes plans to acquire air defense systems, radars and drones. Dassault shares rose as much as 8% in Paris.
“Today is a special, truly historic moment for both nations: France and Ukraine,” Zelenskiy said in a social media post.
Russia has significantly stepped up airstrikes in Ukraine this year with missiles, drones and gliding bombs, causing civilian deaths and rolling blackouts ahead of winter. Zelensky has repeatedly stated that kyiv’s priority is to obtain more air defense systems from its allies, including Patriot systems and fighter jets to repel attacks.
The agreement comes less than a month after Ukraine will sign a letter of intent with Sweden for the supply of up to 150 Saab fighter aircraft to kyiv.
European allies have increasingly taken on most of the responsibility for funding aid to kyiv since President Donald Trump’s administration suspended support and He stated that other Western allies should pay for equipment supplied by the United States.
Ukraine has also received F-16 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp. and supplied by NATO countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands. The US State Department in May approved a training and services program for Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets worth up to $350 million.
Speaking to broadcaster RTL on the sidelines of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky praised the French version of the SAMP/T system, calling it “one of the best” air defense systems in the world. kyiv will receive eight of these systems, he said, but declined to specify a delivery schedule.
Zelensky also stated that Ukraine and France had agreed to collaborate on joint industrial projects. to produce interceptor drones and develop the necessary technology.
