Details of the agreement — including financing or when Kyiv would actually get its hands on the Rafales— remain unclear at this stage.Fred Tanneau/AFP via Getty Images

France plans to supply Ukraine with up to 100 Rafale fighter jets – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

PARIS — France plans to arm Ukraine with as many as 100 advanced Rafale fighter jets, the leaders of the two countries said Monday.  

Kyiv's commitment to purchase the Rafales was included in a letter of intent signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy upon the latter's arrival at Villacoublay military airport near Paris. The deliveries are projected to be made over the next 10 years, Zelenskyy said in a statement. 

Monday’s deal is the latest attempt by Ukraine to beef up its aerial fighting capabilities, having signed a letter of intent last month exploring a similar fighter jet deal with Sweden. The pact with France also lays the groundwork for Kyiv to acquire SAMP-T air defense systems, radars for air defense systems, air-to-air missiles and aerial bombs, Zelenskyy said.  

"This is a new step," said Macron at a news conference alongside the Ukrainian leader. "This agreement reflects France’s will to place its defense sector at the service of Ukraine’s and Europe’s security."