France and Ukraine Forge Decade-Long Defense Pact with 100 Rafale Jets
- MM24 News Desk
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a landmark 10-year strategic security agreement, centered on the transfer of 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets to Ukraine. The deal, hailed as "historic" by Zelenskyy, represents one of the most significant military aid packages from a European nation and includes advanced air defense systems, drones, and guided munitions to substantially boost Ukraine's long-term defense capabilities.
The agreement, signed in Paris on Monday, moves beyond immediate military aid to establish a framework for enduring cooperation. "Our meeting today with Emmanuel Macron strengthens our defense with effective, practical, and powerful elements," President Zelenskyy stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He detailed that the package includes not only the 100 Rafale F4 aircraft but also eight SAMP-T air defense systems—each with six launchers—as well as the necessary missiles and guided bombs.
This comprehensive deal is designed to fortify Ukraine's skies for the challenging years ahead. The Rafale, France's most advanced multi-role fighter jet, is renowned for its maneuverability and is estimated to cost over €85 million per aircraft. A French government official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that France can accelerate production to supply Ukraine without diverting jets from its own active fleet or delaying orders from other international clients, reported Reuters.
The strategic partnership extends beyond mere procurement. The two leaders also met with defense industry representatives to outline a path for technological cooperation. "We will work together to increase the industrial and technological potential of Ukraine and France," Zelenskyy explained, signaling a move towards co-development and strengthening Ukraine's domestic defense industry. This aligns with a separate, significant industrial agreement announced for 55 new electric locomotives for Ukrainian Railways from French manufacturer ALSTOM.
For Ukraine, which is facing another winter of targeted Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, enhanced air defense is a critical priority. The European-made SAMP/T systems are proving highly effective. In a recent assessment to French senators, Air Force General Fabien Mandon, chief of the French defence staff, stated that these systems have shown superior effectiveness against hard-to-hit Russian missiles compared to some US-made Patriot batteries, according to Reuters.
While the deal marks a major step forward, the timeline for delivery presents a reality of modern warfare. Training a pilot to operate the sophisticated Rafale takes at least three years, a French official noted. The first deliveries of various equipment under the letter of intent are expected within the next three years, creating a phased approach to building Ukraine's future air force. This pact with France, following a recent similar exploration with Sweden for Gripen jets, underscores a strategic European commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and long-term security.
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