PARIS (AP) — Ukraine signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 100 Rafale warplanes from France, according to statements from the Ukrainian Embassy and the French president’s office.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the document, indicating Ukraine’s consideration of acquiring French defense equipment, including Rafale jet fighters. Details regarding the deal were not elaborated upon by Macron’s office.
This marks Zelenskyy’s ninth visit to Paris since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. His discussions during this visit aim to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as the nation faces another winter of Russian bombardments on its energy infrastructure and various other targets.
On the morning of the signing, Macron and Zelenskyy toured an air base in the outskirts of Paris before proceeding to the headquarters of a multinational force, termed the “coalition of the willing.” This initiative, which includes France and Britain along with more than 30 other nations, is aimed at overseeing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy expressed his anticipation for a “historic deal with France in Paris” via a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the significance of strengthening Ukraine’s combat aviation and air defense capabilities.
Macron highlighted the importance of acquiring the Rafale jets, noting, “We expect the Rafale, 100 Rafales, which is enormous but which is necessary for the regeneration of the Ukrainian army.” He mentioned that France has recently deployed Mirage jets and is preparing next-generation aircraft, presenting a significant opportunity for both the Rafale and its manufacturer, Dassault.
In addition to the fighter jets, Macron stated that new-generation SAMP/T air-defense systems would also be part of the cooperation between France and Ukraine. These updated systems are currently undergoing testing for deployment by the French armed forces in the following year.
“We’re very quickly going to deploy it on the operational terrain,” Macron remarked, referring to the SAMP/T systems. He emphasized the chance to expedite deployment and technological sharing with Ukraine.
Last month, Ukraine and Sweden signed an agreement to explore the acquisition of up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets over the coming decade or more. Ukraine has previously received American-made F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
This report includes contributions from Defense News writer Rudy Ruitenberg in Paris.
