France agrees to long-term defence support amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday that he had signed an agreement with France to obtain 100 Rafale fighter jets. The deal, confirmed by the Elysee, is part of Ukraine’s plan to expand its long-term air combat capabilities as Russian attacks intensify, particularly in southeastern Zaporizhzhia. Zelensky said the jets will significantly bolster combat aviation, air defence, and other military capacities.
The agreement includes a 10-year strategic aviation framework, with some jets potentially coming from existing French stocks and the bulk part of a longer-term program to grow Ukraine’s fleet to 250 warplanes, including United States F-16s and Sweden’s Gripens.
