France has agreed to provide Ukraine with up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets and advanced air defence systems, marking a major boost to Kyiv’s military capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the agreement at a Paris airbase, describing it as a “historic” step.
Deliveries of the jets are expected to continue until 2035, with joint production of interceptor drones starting this year. While financial details remain unclear, France is seeking EU funding and considering using frozen Russian assets—an issue dividing EU member states.
“This is a strategic agreement which will last for 10 years starting from next year,” Zelenskyy said. He added Ukraine would also receive powerful radars, eight air defence systems, and other advanced weapons, underlining their importance for protecting lives.
Russia has increased missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure, causing blackouts and civilian casualties, which Western countries label as war crimes. A recent missile strike in Balakliya killed three civilians and injured 15.
Macron emphasised the scale of support, saying, “We’re planning Rafales, 100 Rafales—that’s huge. That’s what’s needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.”
The jets are crucial in defending Ukraine’s skies, as they currently struggle to prevent long-range Russian strikes.
Ukrainian defence analyst Serhiy Kuzhan told the BBC, “The Russians are using 6000 glide bombs per month. It would be important to have a French air-to-air system, with a 200km range, because Russians have their own system with a range of 230km.”
Experts caution the jets’ impact depends on delivery times and accompanying missiles. Western equipment requires extensive training and logistical support, and funding remains a challenge amid concerns over EU resources and legal hurdles involving frozen Russian funds.
Ukraine’s air force already operates French Mirage jets and US F-16s and has agreed provisionally to add Swedish Gripen fighters. Zelenskyy will visit Spain next to seek further aid.
He recently secured a gas deal with Greece, enabling crucial U.S. liquefied natural gas supplies this winter.
Russia’s full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, has resulted in Moscow controlling around 20% of Ukraine’s territory. Despite slow advances and heavy casualties, Russian forces continue their campaign against Ukrainian sovereignty.