Ukraine Moves Toward Major Defence Upgrade with Plan to Acquire One Hundred French Rafale Jets
Ukraine has taken a significant step toward strengthening its long term defence capabilities by signing a letter of intent with France to acquire one hundred Rafale fighter jets over the next decade. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the development on Monday during his visit to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron amid intensifying Russian attacks and growing urgency to reinforce Ukraine’s air protection.
The agreement represents one of the most ambitious defence commitments Ukraine has pursued since the start of the conflict with Russia. While it is not a final contract, the letter of intent marks an important milestone toward securing advanced air power that Kyiv hopes will reshape its ability to counter ongoing missile and drone strikes. Zelensky described the planned acquisition as a transformative step for the country, calling it the greatest air defence and one of the strongest systems in the world.
The Ukrainian leader’s visit to France comes at a challenging moment for the country. Russian drone and missile strikes have increased in recent weeks, hitting energy infrastructure and civilian areas across different regions. At the same time, Moscow has reported ground advances in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, where fighting has remained intense as both sides compete for strategic control.
Standing beside Macron in front of a Rafale aircraft at the Villacoublay military airport, Zelensky emphasised that this step reflects Ukraine’s commitment to building a defence structure that can endure for years. He thanked France for its continued support and highlighted the importance of reliable partnerships as the war enters a prolonged phase.
Financing for the Rafale plan is still being discussed. Kyiv hopes to fund the deal through a combination of European Union programmes and future access to frozen Russian assets. However, the European Union has not reached an agreement on the use of those assets, leaving questions about the final funding structure. Officials from both countries said they expect further negotiations in the coming months to determine the financial and logistical details.
French officials described the letter of intent as a symbol of long term cooperation and reiterated France’s commitment to assisting Ukraine as it rebuilds and strengthens its defence systems. The Rafale, one of France’s most advanced fighter jets, is widely regarded for its versatility and high performance in both air defence and offensive operations.
While the delivery of the jets would take place gradually over a ten year period, analysts say the plan could dramatically boost Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace. For now, the announcement reflects a shared message from Paris and Kyiv that European support will continue despite the challenges posed by a prolonged conflict.
