Ukraine has formally signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes from France, as reported by the Ukrainian Embassy and the French President’s office. This agreement, finalised on Monday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, outlines Ukraine’s consideration of French defence equipment, with a specific focus on Rafale fighter jets. Additional details regarding this agreement have not been disclosed, notes The Associated Press.
“Today marks a significant moment, truly historic for both our nations – France and Ukraine. Together with Emmanuel Macron, we signed a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defence Equipment for Ukraine. This document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defence industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine’s combat aviation, SAMP/T air-defence systems, air-defence radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs,” the Ukrainian President posted on X.
This visit is President Zelenskyy’s ninth trip to Paris since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The discussions aim to reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities as the nation braces for another winter marked by ongoing Russian assaults on its energy infrastructure and other strategic targets.
On Monday morning, President Macron and President Zelenskyy visited an airbase on the outskirts of Paris, before proceeding to the headquarters of a multinational coalition, referred to as the “coalition of the willing.” This coalition, comprising over 30 nations, has been established by France and the United Kingdom to facilitate the policing of a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
In his statement on X, President Zelenskyy expressed his eagerness for this “historic deal with France”.
“Joint projects between our defense sectors will also begin this year – we will co-produce interceptor drones and work on developing critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones. New aircraft, new reinforcements, new steps to strengthen our army and our country. I am deeply grateful to France, President @EmmanuelMacron, and all the French people,” added President Zelenskyy on his post.
Furthermore, in a separate agreement last month, Ukraine and Sweden explored the possibility of Ukraine purchasing up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets over the coming decade. Additionally, Ukraine has already received American-made F-16s and French Mirage fighters to bolster its defence capabilities.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
