Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday signed a landmark agreement with France to purchase dozens of Rafale fighter jets, marking a major step in Kyiv’s efforts to strengthen its air power.
The memorandum of understanding, co-signed by French President Emmanuel Macron, covers the acquisition of up to 100 Rafale aircraft, according to the Élysée Palace. The deal also includes the SAMP/T air defence system, further boosting Ukraine’s long-term military capabilities.
Macron described the signing as a “great day” in a message posted on X, celebrating the deepening defence partnership between both countries. Zelensky is currently in France on his ninth visit since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The announcement follows a similar agreement Zelensky reached in Sweden in late October for the potential purchase of up to 150 Gripen fighter jets, as Ukraine aims to build an air fleet of at least 250 modern combat aircraft.
Despite the ambitious plans, questions remain over how Kyiv will fund the multibillion-euro procurement programme.
