10-year defense partnership between France and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in France as part of an official visit. Zelenskyy was welcomed with a military ceremony by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Villacoublay Air Base in the capital, Paris.

Zelenskyy and Macron met with representatives of the defense industry.

Following the meeting, a letter of intent for a 10-year defense partnership was signed between France and Ukraine, covering the purchase of approximately 100 Rafale fighter jets, new-generation SAMP/T air defense systems, GMF 300 radars, and unmanned aerial platforms. Afterward, Zelenskyy and Macron held a joint press conference.

"WE MUST INCREASE UKRAINE'S DETERRENCE"

In his statement, President Macron noted that Russia continues its attacks, stating, "Everything is ready for peace, but Russia is the party that has unilaterally decided to continue the war. Our goal is to bring Ukraine to a capacity where it can protect its own airspace and deter new attacks." Macron also stated that shipments of drone interception systems and guided munitions to Ukraine will continue over the next three years.

Expressing his hope that peace between Russia and Ukraine will be achieved before 2027, Macron emphasized that for this goal, sanctions must be increased, the activities of the "shadow fleet" supporting Russia's energy revenues must be blocked, and Europe's military support must be maintained decisively.

"A HISTORIC DAY"

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described the agreement as "a historic day for Ukrainian defense." Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's air defense umbrella would be completely transformed with 100 Rafales, new-generation SAMP/T air defense systems, long-range radars, and launch systems, adding that the possibility of conducting some production processes in Ukraine through joint facilities is being evaluated. Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine is not alone and that the support provided by France is decisive in the course of the war.

Following the ceremony, Zelenskyy and Macron went to Mont Valerien in Paris to visit the multinational headquarters. A closed-door evaluation meeting was held there with high-level French military officials.

UKRAINE-FRANCE DRONE FORUM

Zelenskyy then continued his contacts with the French-Ukrainian Drone and Aviation Forum organized by France. Topics such as the Rafale's weapons integration process, the role of GMF 300 radars in the field, joint drone production, and the establishment of new joint facilities in Ukraine were discussed at the forum. The parties stated that UAV technology could be further expanded in the future through joint production and technology transfer between the two countries.

In a statement made by the French Presidency, it was stated that the agreement includes the delivery of Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine with a full ammunition package, the deployment of new-generation SAMP/T air defense systems to Ukraine, the supply of French-made GMF 300 long-range radars, and the provision of new unmanned aerial vehicles and drone interception systems to the Ukrainian army. The statement also noted that all equipment will be newly manufactured and will not be sourced from the French army's inventory, adding that deliveries are planned to be completed in phases by 2035.

The Ukrainian side stated that the agreement with France is part of the country's long-term air force strategy. The Zelenskyy administration plans to reach a modern fleet of 250 fighter jets in total, including F-16, Gripen, and Rafale platforms.