Rafales, air defences and missile production: France deepens military support for Ukraine

Ukraine on Tuesday took a major step towards modernising its air force after formalising agreements with France to acquire Rafale fighter jets, advanced air defence systems and the ability to manufacture several Western missiles on its own.

The agreements, signed on Tuesday, come as Kyiv faces intensified Russian missile attacks and seeks to strengthen its long-term defence capabilities.

According to a Reuters report, under the signed deal Ukraine will use financing from the European Union's 'Ukraine Support Loan' programme to purchase its first batch of French-made Rafale fighter jets and next-generation Franco-Italian air defence systems.

The agreements also deepen defence-industrial cooperation by allowing licensed production of key Western weapons inside Ukraine.

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First Rafales for Ukraine

According to the report, Kyiv will initially purchase 16 Rafale fighter aircraft, marking the first tranche of a planned fleet of 100 jets announced last year.

Training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews is expected to begin in France in 2026, with the first four aircraft scheduled for delivery after training is completed, the report said.

The purchase follows a letter of intent signed in November 2025 by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That document outlined a long-term plan for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighters along with associated weapons and air defence systems.

While the letter of intent was not a binding purchase contract, Tuesday's agreements represent the first concrete implementation of that roadmap.

Advanced air defences and missile production

According to the report, alongside the fighter jets, Ukraine will acquire four SAMP/T-NG air and missile defence systems, becoming the first country to deploy the next-generation Franco-Italian system in combat.

Until those systems are delivered, two existing SAMP/T batteries will be transferred to help strengthen Ukraine's air defences, the report said.

France and Italy have also approved licensed production of Aster 30 interceptor missiles in Ukraine. In addition, France has authorised local manufacturing of AASM precision-guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles, significantly expanding Kyiv's domestic defence production capabilities.

Strengthening Ukraine's long-term defence

The agreements build on a wider European initiative announced earlier this week to develop a more affordable anti-ballistic missile shield for Ukraine as Russia continues its large-scale missile and drone campaign.

For Kyiv, the deal is expected to provide not only advanced combat aircraft and air defence systems but also greater self-reliance in producing critical weapons.

The agreements underscore France's long-term commitment to support Ukraine's military as the conflict with Russia enters another demanding phase.

(with inputs from agencies)