Ukraine will purchase French-made Rafale fighters and Franco-Italian next-generation air defense systems for the first time, utilizing European credit funds. Additionally, the country will gain permission to produce key Western missiles on its territory. The relevant agreements were officially formalized by Kyiv and Paris on Tuesday.
Both countries announced that Ukraine will order an initial batch of 16 Rafale aircraft. This order is the first part of a planned fleet of 100 fighters, which was announced in November 2025. Financing will be provided through the European Union’s Ukraine Support Credit Program. Training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics may begin in France as early as 2026, with the first four aircraft expected to be delivered after training is completed, according to a joint statement from the French and Ukrainian presidential administrations, which provided the initial details of the purchases outlined on Monday.
Purchase of air defense systems and localization of production
Ukraine also plans to acquire four next-generation air and missile defense systems SAMP/T-NG, making it the first country to deploy the Franco-Italian system in combat conditions. By the time the new systems are delivered to Ukraine, two older versions will be sent. This initiative is part of a broader air defense strategy presented on Monday by Ukraine and several European allies, aimed at developing a more cost-effective anti-ballistic missile capability as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities.
France and Italy have also authorized licensed production in Ukraine of Aster 30 interceptors, while France has approved local production of AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles, further deepening defense-industrial cooperation with Kyiv.
Russia has intensified missile and drone strikes across Ukraine in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Kyiv to bolster air defenses and secure new supplies of interceptors.
Source: The Straits Times
