France is preparing to equip Ukraine with up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, the two countries announced on Monday.
The commitment was formalized in a letter of intent signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly after Zelenskyy arrived at Villacoublay military airbase near Paris.
According to Zelenskyy, deliveries of the advanced aircraft are expected to take place over the next decade.
The agreement follows Ukraine’s earlier letter of intent with Sweden to explore a potential purchase of Gripen fighters, but the new deal with France appears significantly more substantial.
In addition to the Rafales, the pact paves the way for Ukraine to obtain SAMP/T air defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles and guided aerial bombs, Zelenskyy said.
“This is a new step,” Macron said during a joint press conference. “This agreement reflects France’s determination to put its defense industry at the service of Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.”
