Ukraine and France sign historic defence pact: Kyiv to receive air defence systems and fighter jets

Ukraine and France are taking their defence cooperation to a new level: a historic pact has been signed in Paris that will give Kyiv access to modern fighter jets, air defence systems and joint defence technologies. This agreement could become one of the key elements in strengthening the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe for many years to come. Find out what opportunities the new defence treaty opens up

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Ukraine and France have taken a decisive step towards strengthening European security: on 17 November in Paris, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Emmanuel Macron signed a historic declaration of intent on defence cooperation. The document gives Ukraine access to modern French-made weapon systems and provides for large-scale projects for the joint development of defence technologies.

What the agreement provides for

According to the parties' statements, Ukraine will have the opportunity to purchase a whole range of weapons from the French defence industry, including:

▪️ up to 100 Rafale F4 multi-role fighters by 2035 — these are new-generation combat aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from air combat to striking ground targets;

▪️ SAMP/T air defence systems, which are the European equivalent of Patriot and capable of striking ballistic and cruise missiles;

▪️ modern radars that will enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defence;

▪️ air-to-air missiles and aerial bombs for the needs of the Ukrainian Air Force.

This is the largest aviation deal Ukraine has concluded with a Western country since the start of the full-scale war. It forms the basis for the long-term modernisation of the Ukrainian Air Force and strengthens air defence.

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Joint programmes: drones and critical technologies

Zelensky announced that the first joint projects between Ukrainian and French defence companies will start this year. These include:

▪️ the production of interceptor drones to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian airspace from Russian drones and missiles;

▪️ the development of critical technologies and components for integration into Ukrainian unmanned systems.

Such cooperation is important for Ukraine's technological independence and the expansion of its defence-industrial complex.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called the agreement a breakthrough for the army and the entire country:

"New aircraft, new reinforcement, new steps to strengthen our army and our country. I am very grateful to France, President Emmanuel Macron, and the entire French people."

Reminder! Russian troops have increased pressure in the eastern and southern directions - breakthroughs and seizures of new settlements are being recorded in the Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Ukrainian military warns that the enemy is using weather conditions and numerical superiority to infiltrate and advance deep into the defences. Find out which areas are under threat.

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