France and Ukraine have agreed on a roadmap under which Kyiv will purchase 16 Rafale fighter aircraft along with their weapons systems. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered and “flying in Ukrainian skies by 2028–2029,” French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday.
To strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, Kyiv will also acquire next-generation SAMP/T air defence systems, which, Macron said, “will complement the systems that will be delivered, together with their missiles, in the coming weeks,” following the conclusion of the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris.
The agreement also provides for the delivery of radar systems and grants Ukraine licences to manufacture AASM guided bombs, Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, and SCALP cruise missiles.
According to Macron, the multinational force that is expected to deploy to Ukraine after hostilities end will begin training in neighbouring countries within the next few months.
“Today we decided on the exercises that will take place over the coming months. They will be held in countries neighbouring Ukraine to validate our deployment plans and demonstrate that we are ready, determined and credible,” Macron said after the summit, standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Macron: Security force for post-war Ukraine to hold military exercises
Speaking after the conclusion of the Paris summit, Macron said the multinational force intended to help guarantee Ukraine’s security after the war would conduct training exercises in neighbouring countries.
“Today we made decisions regarding the military exercises that will be carried out in the coming months. They will take place in countries neighbouring Ukraine, implementing our existing deployment plans while demonstrating that we are ready, determined and reliable.”
The French president also said that representatives of the countries attending the summit agreed on the need to continue providing financial and military support to Ukraine, particularly in the area of ballistic missile defence. They also agreed to pursue additional economic sanctions against Russia.
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