After his visit to Greece, the Ukrainian president arrived in Paris with the aim of ratifying the provision of anti-aircraft systems, fighter jets and missiles, in order to strengthen the long-term ability of the Ukrainian military to face the Russian invasion.
According to what was announced, the French president and Volodymyr Zelensky signed a letter of intent for Kiev to acquire up to 100 fighters and other anti-aircraft equipment from French companies.
As a boost for Ukraine in its fight against Russian encroachment, the deal foresees possible future contracts for Ukraine to acquire 100 Rafale fighter jets “with their associated weapons”, as well as the next-generation SAMP-T anti-aircraft system under development, radar and drone systems.
The letter of intent — which is not a purchase and sale contract — is expected to be implemented “within a time horizon of about 10 years,” the French presidency added.
The two sides had hinted that they were preparing an agreement
Earlier Zelensky had announced the agreement by writing to X that: “A historic agreement has been prepared with France – there will be a significant strengthening of our air force, anti-aircraft defense and other defense capabilities.”
Macron welcomed Zelenskiy with a hug at the military airport of Villacouble near Paris.
Discussions have been ongoing for weeks about how France could provide more military support to Ukraine’s air defenses, despite the fact that Macron’s government is facing political as well as fiscal instability.
The goal is for Ukraine to have at least 250 fighters
Macron pledged last month to provide more Mirage fighters, beyond the six already promised, as well as a new batch of Aster 30 missiles, made by European company MBDA, for the SAMP/T anti-aircraft arrays used by Ukraine.
However, according to Reuters citing sources familiar with the matter, Monday’s visit was designed to yield even more for Ukraine.
The sources said it is not unlikely that some of the aircraft agreed to be delivered by Ukraine could come from the French stockpile, although the bulk is for long-term delivery and is part of Ukraine’s effort to increase its future fleet to 250 fighters, including US F-16s and Swedish Gripens.
In a media briefing ahead of Zelensky’s visit, Macron’s office said the goal was to “put French excellence in the arms industry at the service of Ukraine’s defense” and “allow it to acquire the systems it needs to respond to Russian aggression.”
