Ukraine to Get Up to 100 French-Made Rafale Fighter Jets

Monday, November 17, 2025

Ukraine will get up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defence systems in a major deal to boost Kyiv's ability to protect itself against deadly Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as "historic", after signing the letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.

Posted by Corky at 05:28 PM | 3 COMMENTS | permalink

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"The Russians are using 6000 glide bombs per month," Serhiy Kuzhan, a Ukrainian defence analyst, told the BBC.

"It would be important to have a French air to air system, with a 200km range, because Russians have their own system with a range of 230km."

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It's a long term deal with limited immediate help, but better than nothing.

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-17 05:31 PM

Another view ...

Macron and Zelensky sign letter of intent for Ukraine to buy up to 100 Rafale fighter jets
www.france24.com

... In a boost for Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion, the accord also paves the way for Kyiv to acquire the new generation SAMP-T air defence system under development, as well as radar systems and drones.

Macron said the accord signed at Villacoublay air base would bolster Ukraine's defences in the face of "unacceptable attacks by Russia" and what he described as Moscow's "addiction to war".

This agreement aims to put "France's industrial and technological excellence at the service of Ukraine and therefore of Europe," the French president told a joint press conference.

Hailing a "historic" accord that will also create jobs in Ukraine, Zelensky said Kyiv may consider co-production of Rafale warplanes in the future. ...