Ukraine’s Sky Gets a Thunderbolt: France to Deliver Up to 100 Rafale Jets in Defense Game-Changer

Updated: November 17, 2025 22:48

Image Source: Reuters

Ukraine has signed a landmark agreement with France to purchase up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets over the next decade. This deal also includes air defense systems, drones, missiles, and training, marking a major step in modernizing Ukraine’s air force amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a significant development for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent that will see Ukraine acquire up to 100 of France’s Rafale F4 multirole fighter jets by 2035. This deal, announced at the Élysée Palace in Paris, is poised to strengthen Ukraine’s aerial combat power as it faces continued aggression from Russia.

The Rafale, developed by Dassault Aviation, is among Europe's most advanced fighter jets, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, missile interceptions, and longer-range strikes. It will greatly enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies against missile and drone attacks.

Alongside the fighter jets, the agreement includes the provision of next-generation SAMP/T surface-to-air defense systems, radars, air-to-air missiles, aerial bombs, and various drones and drone interceptors. These systems are expected to improve Ukraine’s overall air defense and surveillance capabilities substantially.

Key highlights include:

Acquisition of up to 100 Rafale F4 multirole fighters over a 10-year period.
Procurement of advanced SAMP/T air defense systems and radars.
Supply of drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and air-to-air missiles.
Training programs and production collaborations to support operational readiness.
The deal signals enhanced bilateral defense cooperation between Ukraine and France.
The first deliveries of some equipment expected within the next three years.
The Rafale jets will be a critical upgrade from Ukraine’s existing Soviet-era aircraft.
The agreement forms part of a broader plan to create an air fleet of approximately 250 modern combat aircraft combining Rafale, F-16, and Gripen jets.

This historic pact reaffirms France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily amidst ongoing tensions in the region. While funding and delivery timelines remain complex, the deal represents a strategic leap in Ukraine’s air force modernization and its capacity to resist continued Russian aggression.

Both leaders hailed the agreement as a symbol of strengthened defense ties and a long-term partnership that will bolster Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense capabilities well into the next decade. Aside from military hardware, the agreement also includes support in defense industry cooperation, hinting at future production and technological exchange.

Sources: Reuters, Euronews, CBS News, The New York Times, Le Monde, and Dassault Aviation.

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