November 18, 2025 | 05:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, November 17, signed a preliminary agreement with France to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems, drones, and other military equipment over the next ten years. This move is part of Ukraine's long-term security strategy.
As reported by Euronews, Zelensky referred to the document as a historic agreement during a joint press conference with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. He detailed that Ukraine will receive 100 Rafale fighter jets and very powerful French radars, as well as eight SAMP/T air defense systems, each with six launchers.
Direction of Industrial Cooperation
Macron praised the agreement as a new step in the relationship between the two countries. He explained that the agreement includes the latest generation of fighter jets, complete with armaments, as well as training and production programs. As reported by Anadolu, Macron emphasized, "Today, we are taking a new step. With this agreement, we continue to invest in bringing our defense industries closer together and integrating them further in order to continue supporting Ukraine."
Earlier, they also signed a Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in the Procurement of Defense Equipment at the Villacoublay Air Base, Yvelines. Through platform X, Zelensky wrote, "This document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defense industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine’s combat aviation, SAMP/T air-defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs."
Rafale Fighter Jets and SAMP/T Rafale is France's most advanced fighter jet, high-tech and multi-role, with a price of over 85 million per unit. In testimony to the French Senate this month, Chief of the French Defense Staff General Fabien Mandon said the SAMP/T system provided to Ukraine is more effective than the American-made Patriot in dealing with hard-to-intercept Russian missiles.
There is no schedule for the delivery of the first Rafale. According to a French government official, Rafale pilot training requires at least three years. He also stressed that France can accelerate production without taking jets from the active fleet and without disrupting orders from other countries.
Ukraine-France Economic Cooperation
Macron also announced a 475 million contract between Alstom and the Ukrainian railway company, UZ, for the procurement of 55 locomotives, funded by the World Bank and IBRD. He also highlighted new intergovernmental agreements covering energy, transportation, water, and defense.
"This agreement demonstrates France’s determination to place its industrial and technological excellence at the service of Ukraine’s defense and therefore at the service of Europe," Macron said. He reaffirmed the commitment to supporting Ukraine in the long term, including bolstering its military capabilities and guaranteeing financial backing from the European Union.
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