French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday signed a letter of intent for Kyiv to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and additional military hardware, offering a significant boost as Ukraine battles Russia’s invasion.
Macron said the delivery of the advanced French-made jets — considered the crown jewel of the country’s combat aviation — is planned over a 10-year period, while production of drones and interceptors for Ukraine will begin by year’s end.
The announcement came during Zelensky’s visit to Paris, at a moment the Ukrainian leader faces pressure from a domestic corruption scandal, Russian advances near Pokrovsk, and continued aerial bombardment.
Calling it a “difficult moment” in the conflict, Macron accused Moscow of an “addiction to war” and expressed hope that peace could be achieved before his term ends in 2027. He said Ukraine would then need a renewed military force capable of deterring any future Russian aggression.
Zelensky has also signed a separate letter of intent to procure 100–150 Swedish Gripen jets.The Rafale — a twin-engine, multirole fighter built by Dassault Aviation — has seen action in Afghanistan, Mali, Libya, Iraq and Syria.
However, it took a reputational hit when Pakistan shot down at least one Rafale during its conflict with India, according to the company’s own acknowledgement.
