PARIS (Realist English). On July 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a joint declaration approving a roadmap for defence cooperation between the two countries.
The key element of the agreement was Ukraine’s order for the first 16 Dassault Rafale multi‑role fighters — out of the 100 aircraft Kyiv had previously announced its intention to acquire in November 2025.
The document was signed following the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, attended by around 25 heads of state and government.
Background: From Declaration of Intent to Firm Order
The agreement follows logically from the declaration of intent signed by the two leaders on November 17, 2025, at the Villacoublay air base. At that time, a long‑term target was set to procure up to 100 Rafale F4‑standard aircraft by 2035. The July roadmap translated those plans into binding commitments.
Macron said the agreement provides for the acquisition of 16 Rafales “with their full weapons package.” The first test flights could take place as early as 2028–2029, with crew training to begin in the coming months.
Initial Deliveries and Pilot Training
According to the joint declaration, the first four Rafale aircraft will be handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the completion of Ukrainian pilot and mechanic training. Training could begin in France as early as 2026.
Zelensky noted: “Ukraine is purchasing the first 16 Rafale fighters for our combat aviation, along with their weapons package. The training of our pilots and technical teams in France should begin this year.”
Deliveries will take into account the current workload of Dassault Aviation’s assembly line at its Mérignac plant, which currently produces 2 aircraft per month, with plans to reach 3 units in 2026–2027 and 4 by 2028–2029.
Financing: Through EU Loan
Procurement will be financed through tranches of the Ukraine Support Loan (USL) for 2026–2027, as well as from any other sources.
The total EU loan package amounts to €90 billion ($103 billion). The final implementing contract remains to be concluded.
Armament and Licensed Production
Each Rafale fighter will be delivered with a weapons package, the scope of which will be determined during consultations between bilateral technical groups. The weapons package will include:
- AASM guided bombs;
- laser‑guided anti‑drone missiles;
- MICA and METEOR air‑to‑air missiles.
In addition, France has authorised licensed production in Ukraine of:
- AASM air‑to‑ground bombs;
- SCALP cruise missiles.
Production is to be launched by the end of 2026.
SAMP/T NG Air Defence Systems
Beyond the fighters, Ukraine has ordered four French‑Italian SAMP/T NG next‑generation air defence systems. Previously, in November 2025, a total of 8 batteries (48 launchers) had been agreed for transfer.
Deliveries of SAMP/T NG will begin as soon as possible, with phased deployment of modules after delivery and certification, starting in 2027. By the end of 2026, Ukraine is to receive a GF300 radar station as the first element of the future system.
For the period of new system production, France will transfer two SAMP/T air defence systems to Ukraine (to be returned after the ordered SAMP/T NG are received).
France and Italy have also authorised licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine by the end of 2026. In addition, Paris will support the development of Ukrainian anti‑ballistic interceptor missiles, in particular the FREYJA project, through industrial cooperation and expert support.
The signing of the roadmap marks a major step in strengthening defence cooperation between France and Ukraine.
The Rafale, considered a 4++ generation fighter, is intended to become the backbone of Ukraine’s post‑war air force, alongside already‑transferred US F‑16s, French Mirages, and Swedish Gripen E and Gripen C/D aircraft.
Macron noted that these decisions are a continuation of the agreements reached on November 17, 2025. Zelensky, in turn, called the licences for Aster and SCALP missiles “important decisions.”
