Ukraine has taken a major step toward modernising its air force and strengthening long‑term defence capabilities, after signing a series of landmark agreements with France on Tuesday. The deals include the purchase of Rafale fighter jets, next‑generation air‑defence systems, and permission for licensed production of Western missiles inside Ukraine — a move that significantly expands Kyiv’s defence‑industrial base as the war with Russia intensifies.
According to officials, Ukraine will use financing from the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan programme to acquire its first batch of French‑made Rafales. The initial order includes 16 aircraft, forming the first tranche of a planned 100‑jet fleet announced last year. Training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews will begin in France in 2026, with the first four jets scheduled for delivery once training is completed.
The agreements also cover advanced Franco‑Italian air‑defence systems, designed to counter Russia’s escalating missile and drone barrages. Kyiv has faced a surge in long‑range strikes targeting energy infrastructure, command centres and civilian areas, prompting urgent calls for stronger air‑defence capabilities.
A key component of the new partnership is France’s approval for licensed missile production within Ukraine. This includes several Western systems that Kyiv previously relied on foreign deliveries for — a shift aimed at reducing logistical delays and ensuring steady supply during prolonged conflict. Defence analysts say domestic manufacturing could become one of Ukraine’s most important strategic assets, allowing faster replenishment and greater battlefield flexibility.
The deals come as Russia continues heavy bombardment across multiple fronts, with explosions reported in Kyiv on Tuesday. Ukrainian officials say the new French support marks a turning point in efforts to build a resilient, modernised military capable of sustaining long‑term operations.