Ukraine Secures 100 Rafale F4 Fighter Jets from France to Strengthen Defense

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:07:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a landmark agreement, Ukraine will receive up to 100 French Rafale F4 fighter jets and advanced air defense systems, reinforcing its military capabilities amidst ongoing Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a historic deal with French President Emmanuel Macron, committing to deliver 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets and additional defense systems to enhance Ukraine's protection against Russian military actions. The agreement, described as strategic and long-term, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses by 2035 and includes financing plans involving EU resources and potentially frozen Russian assets. This development comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukraine will get up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defense 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.

Deliveries of the Rafale F4's are planned to be completed by 2035, while the joint production of interceptor drones is starting this year.

Financial details are yet to be determined, but reports indicate that France plans to attract EU financing and may access frozen Russian assets - a controversial move that has divided the European Union.

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

Ukraine would also receive very strong French radars, eight air defense systems, and other advanced weaponry, he added.

Zelensky stressed that using such advanced systems means protecting someone's life... this is very important.

Russia has ramped up its drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, targeting critical energy and rail infrastructure and causing severe blackouts across the nation. Recent Russian missile attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, which Kyiv and its allies label as war crimes.

Speaking alongside Zelensky, Macron stated: We're planning Rafales, 100 Rafales - that's huge. That's what's needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.

The Rafale fighter jets are pivotal for Ukraine's air defense due to the limitations it faces in countering long-range air strikes from Russia.

Despite the substantial nature of this agreement, defense analysts caution that the effectiveness of the new equipment will depend greatly on the timely provision of missiles and training required to operate the sophisticated systems.

With preparations underway, further complexities arise regarding who will finance this military support, as France looks to draw on EU mechanisms for aid. Notably, there are pressing concerns over the sustainability of EU support for Ukraine's defense.

Following this alliance with France, Zelensky will further seek military support in Spain, aiming to secure additional assistance for Ukraine's ongoing struggles against Russian advances.