France, Ukraine forge 10-year defense pact: Rafale jets, SAMP/T to bolster Kyiv

Defense Express reported the information.

In a decisive move to fortify Ukraine’s long-term air superiority, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Emmanuel Macron signed a historic defense agreement on Monday at the Villacoublay air base. The "letter of intent" solidifies a 10-year strategic aviation framework that paves the way for Ukraine to acquire a fleet of French-made Dassault Rafale fighters and next-generation missile defenses.

The agreement, finalized after weeks of intense negotiations, represents a significant escalation in French military support. To address both immediate needs and future deterrence, the deal utilizes a hybrid supply chain: an initial tranche of Rafales is expected to be drawn directly from French Air Force inventory for rapid deployment, while the bulk of the fleet will be fulfilled through long-term production contracts.

This transition to the Rafale marks a pivot to one of the world’s most advanced combat platforms. By integrating these jets—renowned for their superiority in air-to-air combat, deep precision strikes, and reconnaissance—Kyiv is securing a sophisticated cornerstone for its future defense. The acquisition is central to Ukraine's broader strategic ambition to expand its modern combat fleet to approximately 250 warplanes, using the Rafales as a high-tech complement to incoming F-16s and Gripens to secure the country's airspace.

Beyond aviation, the pact doubles down on ground-based air defense to counter intensifying Russian strikes on energy infrastructure. The leaders agreed to the supply of additional SAMP/T systems—Europe’s only long-range anti-ballistic missile shield. The deal encompasses both immediate transfers of existing batteries and future orders for the Next Generation (SAMP/T NG) systems, alongside a steady supply of Aster 30 interceptors and new anti-drone technologies.

While the strategic intent is clear, the financial architecture of the deal remains opaque. Officials have not yet disclosed how the multi-billion euro package will be funded or the exact breakdown of used versus new airframes. Nevertheless, President Zelenskyy hailed the accord as a "historic strengthening" of Ukraine's defense capabilities, signaling that Paris is committed to anchoring Ukraine's security for the next decade.

• On November 17, during a visit to Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen Ukraine.