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Ukraine is set to receive up to 100 French-made Rafale F4 fighter jets under a sweeping new defence agreement signed in Paris, marking one of Kyiv's most significant commitments yet to strengthening its long-term air power. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the move "historic" after signing a letter of intent with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Villacoublay air base, where the two leaders stood in front of a Rafale jet and pledged deeper military cooperation.
The agreement, designed to run for the next decade, also includes advanced French radars, eight air defence systems, munitions, and the joint production of interceptor drones beginning this year. Delivery of the Rafale F4 aircraft is expected to be completed by 2035, signaling a long-term strategic partnership as Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian attacks on cities and infrastructure.
Financial details remain under negotiation, though French officials say the plan involves tapping EU defence funds and potentially using frozen Russian assets, an idea that has sparked debate within the 27-member bloc. Still, the announcement immediately sent shares of Dassault, manufacturer of the Rafale, sharply higher.
Macron said France's intention was to help rebuild Ukraine's air force "for whatever comes next," describing the scale of the commitment as unprecedented for a European nation supporting Kyiv. Zelensky emphasized that each new system "means protecting someone's life," noting the surge in Russian missile and drone strikes that have recently targeted rail lines, power stations, and civilian centres. A strike overnight in Balakliya killed three people and injured 15, underscoring the urgency behind Ukraine's request for more modern air defence assets.
Alongside Rafales, Ukraine is already operating Mirage jets and has begun integrating U.S.-made F-16s into its fleet. Kyiv has also signaled interest in Sweden's Gripen fighters, provisionally agreeing to acquire them once logistics and political approvals are finalised.
After securing the Paris agreement, Zelensky will travel to Spain to push for further military and economic support. Over the weekend, Kyiv struck a new energy deal with Greece to boost winter gas supplies via Balkan routes, a move seen as crucial as Russia continues targeting Ukraine's heating and power grid.
Russian forces still occupy about 20% of Ukrainian territory nearly four years after the full-scale invasion.
