Ukraine Secures Up to 100 Rafale Fighter Jets from France

Tue Nov 18 2025 14:00:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant defense agreement, Ukraine will receive up to 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets and advanced air defense systems, boosting its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron have signed a historic deal involving the procurement of up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets for Ukraine, along with advanced air defense systems. The move, aimed at fortifying Ukraine's defenses against escalated Russian attacks, was celebrated by Zelensky as a strategic collaboration expected to last a decade. While the deal promises to enhance military infrastructure, challenges around funding and training remain crucial to its implementation.

Ukraine will receive up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defence systems in a major deal to boost Kyiv's ability to protect itself against deadly Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as historic, after signing the letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.

Deliveries of the Rafale F4s are planned to be completed by 2035, while the joint production of interceptor drones is starting this year.

Financial details are yet to be worked out, but reports say France plans to attract EU financing and also access frozen Russian assets - a controversial move that has split the 27-member bloc.

This is a strategic agreement which will last for 10 years starting from the next year, Zelensky said at a joint briefing with Macron on Monday.

Ukraine will also get very strong French radars, eight air defence systems and other advanced weaponry, he added.

Zelensky stressed that using such advanced systems means protecting someone's life... this is very important.

Russia has in recent months increased its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting energy and rail infrastructure and causing massive blackouts across the country. Dozens of civilians have been killed in these strikes, which Kyiv and Western allies label as war crimes.

French President Macron reaffirmed the importance of the Rafale deal, noting that it is essential for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military, emphasizing a need to help Ukraine prepare for future challenges.

The Rafale fighter jets are expected to be pivotal in safeguarding Ukraine's airspace, especially given the stark reality of ongoing Russian air assaults.

While this agreement marks a significant development, experts caution that the effectiveness of new military hardware will depend heavily on the accompanying training and logistical support.

As discussions on financing and training ramp up, Zelensky is also seeking further military support from Spain following his visit to France, indicating Ukraine's ongoing effort to strengthen its defense capability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and since then, Moscow has controlled around 20% of Ukrainian territory amid ongoing military confrontations. The international community continues to watch closely as Ukraine receives critical support from its allies.