President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of France Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on cooperation in the field of defense equipment acquisition by Ukraine at the Vélizy-Villacoublay air base in France, this document allows Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale F4 aircraft. The Office of the President has announced this, the Ukrainian News agency reports.
"This document will allow Ukraine to purchase military equipment from the French defense industrial and technological base to modernize the national Armed Forces. First of all, we are talking about 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukrainian combat aviation, SAMP/T air defense systems, radars for air defense systems, air-to-air missiles and air bombs. It also provides for the possibility of technology transfer and joint production of aircraft with localization in Ukraine," the statement said.
Zelenskyy called the deal historic.
"I am very grateful to France from the very first visit. I thank Emmanuel Macron and the entire French people. But this moment is something special and truly historic for both nations. New aircraft, new reinforcement, new steps to strengthen our army and our country," he said.
In addition, Ukraine and France will jointly produce interceptor drones and work on the development of critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones.
It is noted that joint projects between the Ukrainian and French defense industries will begin this year.
"This is a short-term, medium-term and long-term perspective. And all of this is needed. And even if the peace were signed tomorrow, it is still necessary, because the guarantee of this peace is the presence of a strong Ukrainian army capable of resisting. These capacities will ensure this," Macron emphasized.
Before signing the declaration, the leaders met with the heads of French defense companies, who spoke about the technical characteristics, features of use, advantages of a particular type of weapon, capabilities and production time.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in October, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine expects to receive the first Swedish Gripen fighter jets in 2026.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.