PARIS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday signed a major defense agreement in a show of deepening Franco-Ukrainian cooperation, announcing a plan for Kyiv to acquire 100 Dassault Rafale fighter jets over the next decade.
The letter of intent was signed at Villacoublay Air Base, in front of a Rafale jet and the two nations’ flags, underlining its symbolic and strategic importance.
In addition to the warplanes, the agreement includes air-defense systems, radars, drones, and guided bombs, signaling a long-term commitment by France to help modernize Ukraine’s military capabilities.
According to Macron, the Rafales planned for Ukraine will be “new equipment,” not drawn from existing French stocks.
The financing for the deal is expected to involve EU mechanisms and potentially frozen Russian assets, though some of those arrangements are still being negotiated.
Zelenskiy described the agreement as a cornerstone for Ukraine’s future air-defense strength — calling it “one of the greatest in the world.
However, analysts note that operating the advanced Rafale jets will require a significant pilot training program, meaning the deal’s full benefits will be realized over many years.
The deal reflects France’s broader strategy to support Ukraine not just in the near term, but by building a sustainable, modern air force capable of deterring future Russian aggression and contributing to longer-term European security.