Macron announces Rafale fighter jets and SCALP missile production licenses for Ukraine
Photo: French President Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
France will transfer Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine and allow the country to produce advanced missiles and aerial bombs. The first aircraft are expected to appear in Ukrainian skies as early as 2028-2029, according to a statement by French President Emmanuel Macron following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the decisions build on agreements reached between the two countries on November 17, 2025.
"The commitments we signed on November 17 last year have now been translated into concrete measures, including the first batches of air defense equipment and the modernization and acquisition of Rafale strike aircraft by Ukraine. The first jets are expected to be flying in Ukrainian skies in 2028-2029," Macron said.
He added that the package also includes additional radars and missiles, as well as licenses allowing Ukraine to produce advanced weapons domestically.
"Additional radars, additional missiles, and we have also included licensing for the Aster 30, SCALP, and AASM bombs. All of this will strengthen Ukraine's capabilities and improve its position on the battlefield," the French president stressed.
An anti-ballistic missile coalition was established on July 13 during a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, with Ukraine among its founding members.
The coalition brings together ten European countries that will jointly work on developing missile defense capabilities and creating new systems for intercepting ballistic missiles.
