Ukraine and France Forge Historic 10-Year Defence Partnership
In a significant move to bolster its long-term security, Ukraine has formally expressed its intent to purchase a massive arsenal of advanced French military equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a landmark letter of intent in Paris on Monday, outlining a strategic agreement spanning the next decade.
President Zelenskyy hailed the pact as a "historic deal" during a joint news conference at the Elysée Palace. This preliminary document solidifies Ukraine's commitment to acquiring a comprehensive defence package from France, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
What's in the Defence Package?
The ambitious agreement encompasses a wide range of sophisticated weaponry. The centrepiece of the deal is the acquisition of up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, France's most advanced multi-role warplane. President Zelenskyy confirmed that the package also includes eight SAMP/T air-defence systems, each equipped with six launching systems, and powerful French radars.
President Macron described the agreement as a "new step forward" and confirmed that it covers the latest-generation Rafale jets with full armament, along with comprehensive training and production programs for Ukrainian forces. The first deliveries of drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and the SAMP/T systems are anticipated within the next three years.
The Rafale: A Game-Changer for Ukrainian Skies
The Dassault Aviation-manufactured Rafale is a technological marvel, renowned for its high manoeuvrability, delta-wing design, and combat efficiency. Deployed by France in various international operations, each aircraft carries an estimated price tag of over USD 100 million. A French government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that training a Rafale pilot is an intensive process that takes at least three years.
However, the official assured that France can accelerate Rafale production to meet Ukraine's needs without impacting deliveries to other international clients like Egypt, India, and Qatar, or depleting its own active fleet. Zelenskyy added that Ukrainian pilots already experienced with French Mirage jets would require less time to transition to the Rafale platform.
Strengthening European Security Architecture
This deal is part of Ukraine's concerted effort to build a modern and powerful air force. This visit was Zelenskyy's ninth to Paris since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022. The timing is critical as Ukraine faces another winter of Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.
The agreement follows a similar one signed with Sweden last month for up to 150 Gripen fighter jets, complementing the American-made F-16s and French Mirages already in Ukraine's inventory. The SAMP/T systems provided by France have already proven highly effective, with the chief of the French defence staff, Air Force Gen. Fabien Mandon, recently telling senators that they are outperforming US-made Patriot batteries against certain Russian missiles.
While in Paris, the leaders also visited the headquarters of a multinational "coalition of the willing" force, prepared by France, Britain, and over 30 other nations. This force is intended to be deployed in Ukraine to police a potential future ceasefire, stationed away from front lines to deter renewed Russian aggression.
Financing for the massive defence package remains under discussion. Kyiv is advocating for the use of frozen Russian assets, a proposal the European Union has not yet approved. Zelenskyy expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached to utilize these funds for Ukraine's defence needs.
