Ukraine to receive 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets

 Ukraine to receive 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets

Ukraine will receive 100 French-made Rafale F4 fighter jets and advanced air defense systems in a major deal that will enhance Kyiv's ability to defend the country against lethal Russian attacks.

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After signing a letter of intent with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at an airport near Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the move as "historic."

The delivery of the Rafale F4 jets is planned to be completed by 2035, while joint production of interceptor drones begins this year.

Financial details have not yet been finalized, but reports indicate France plans to receive funding from the European Union and access seized Russian assets—a controversial move that has divided the 27-member EU.

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

He further stated that Ukraine will also receive "very strong French radars," eight air defense systems, and other advanced weapons.

Zelensky stressed that the use of such advanced systems "is tantamount to saving a life... This is very important."

Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks against Ukraine in recent months, targeting energy and rail infrastructure and causing widespread power outages across the country.

Dozens of civilians have been killed in these attacks, which Kyiv and its Western allies describe as war crimes.

Local authorities reported that the latest Russian missile attack overnight on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Balakliya killed three people and injured 15.

Speaking with Zelensky, Macron said: "We are planning 100 Rafale aircraft—this is a huge deal. This is what is needed for the revival of the Ukrainian army."

The French president further stated that he wants to help Ukraine prepare for the challenges ahead.

Ukraine's Air Force already uses French Mirage fighter jets as well as US-made F-16s. Kyiv also recently agreed to temporarily acquire Swedish Gripen fighter jets.

After France, Zelensky will travel to Spain to secure further military and other assistance for Ukraine.

Over the weekend, he signed a gas agreement with Greece. Significant supplies of US liquefied natural gas are now expected to begin arriving in Ukraine this winter via a pipeline through the Balkans.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory, and Russian troops are making slow advances across the vast front lines—despite reported heavy casualties in the fighting.