Planes, drone interceptors and air defenses: Zelenskyy discloses what Ukraine agreed with France
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron (Getty Images)
Ukraine and France have signed a declaration of intent to cooperate on the acquisition of defense equipment for Kyiv. The document refers to aircraft, drones, and air defense systems, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Today marks a significant moment, truly historic for both our nations – France and Ukraine. Together with Emmanuel Macron, we signed a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defense Equipment for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said on X.
According to him, this document allows Ukraine to purchase military equipment from the French defense industrial and technological base, in particular 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine's combat aviation, SAMP-T air defense systems, radars for air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.
Joint projects between the defense industries will also begin this year. The countries will jointly produce interceptor drones and work on the development of critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukrainian drones.
“New aircraft, new reinforcements, new steps to strengthen our army and our country. I am deeply grateful to France, President Emmanuel Macron, and all the French people,” Zelenskyy added.
Earlier, it became known that the declaration provides for possible future contracts for the purchase of about 100 French Rafale fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
According to the Élysée Palace, the program is designed to last ten years and will include not only fighter jets, but also other high-tech weapons, including the latest SAMP-T air defense systems, which are in the final stages of development, modern radar systems, and combat drones.
The French side emphasizes that the signed declaration is a step towards concluding specific contracts that will strengthen Ukraine's long-term defense capabilities.
