France to Supply First Rafale Aircraft to Ukraine

Ukraine will order French Rafale fighter planes and new Franco-Italian SAMP/T-NG air defense systems for the first time under agreements signed by Kyiv and Paris on Tuesday. The deals also provide for the licensed production of several Western missiles and guided bombs in Ukraine.

Kyiv will initially order 16 Rafale aircraft as the first tranche of a planned fleet of 100 announced by the two countries last November. The purchase will be financed through a European Union loan program supporting Ukraine. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians could begin in France as early as 2026, with the first four aircraft due to be delivered after training is completed.

Ukraine also plans to acquire four next-generation SAMP/T-NG air and missile defense systems. Until they are delivered, France and Italy will provide Kyiv with two older versions of the system.

The agreements also authorize the licensed production in Ukraine of Aster 30 interceptor missiles, AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles. They are intended to strengthen the country's defense industry and deepen defense cooperation as Russia intensifies its missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

(Reuters, Lud)