Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent in Paris on Monday for the future purchase of up to 100 Rafale fighters from Kiev, paving the way for the first supply of this French aircraft to the Ukrainian air force.

According to Elise, this agreement, which is set over a time horizon of about ten years, provides for the prospect of future contracts for the supply of new French defence equipment. These include “the acquisition of around 100 Rafale aircraft, with their respective weapon systems”, as well as other weapons such as the new generation SAMP/T anti-aircraft system currently under development, advanced radars and drones.

The signing of the declaration of intent was held at a ceremony at the Villacoublay military base in the presence of the two leaders. The full contents of the agreement were not immediately made public, pending the joint press conference to follow in Elise. However, French government sources confirmed that it signals Kiev’s intention to drastically boost its air power by introducing French fighters for the first time.

Ukraine‘s plan to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighters is part of its strategy to gradually increase its fighter fleet to a total of 250 aircraft, including US F-16s and Swedish Gripen. The adoption of the French fighter is seen as critical to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian air force, particularly at a time of heightened threats due to the ongoing Russian invasion.

France’s commitment to long-term military support to Ukraine also includes the promotion of advanced anti-aircraft systems, such as the new-generation SAMP/T, which is currently under development, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance technologies via radar systems and drones. Elise notes that this cooperation is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense and ensuring stable supplies of defense equipment over time.