Paris to Allow Ukraine to Produce French Weapons

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France will grant Ukraine licenses to produce French weapons for the first time. At a summit in Paris, Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed on a plan to implement the bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed last November.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will be able to manufacture SCALP long-range cruise missiles, Aster air defense interceptor missiles and AASM precision-guided bombs on its own territory. The move is intended to help Kyiv replenish its stockpiles as Russia intensifies its attacks.

The agreement also includes the delivery of radar systems. In addition, Zelensky has ordered next-generation Franco-Italian SAMP-T air defense systems. The new systems will follow earlier deliveries of the previous version, along with an additional batch of missiles.

To strengthen Ukraine's air force, France will also deliver 16 Rafale fighter jets, which are expected to begin operating in Ukrainian airspace between 2028 and 2029.

Macron also confirmed that Western allies have agreed to launch coordinated military exercises in countries neighboring Ukraine. The drills form part of plans to deploy a multinational peacekeeping force once a ceasefire with Russia is reached.

(Reuters, Max)