Overview
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron signed the letter of intent at Villacoublay air base, covering Rafale fighters alongside SAMP/T systems, radars, missiles and drones.
- Paris and Kyiv described the step as historic, but officials released no contract value and emphasized that the framework is not yet a finalized sales deal.
- Sources say some aircraft could come from French stocks, though most deliveries would be longer term as Ukraine builds a broader fleet that also includes F-16s and Gripens.
- Multiple reports indicate initial Rafale deliveries are unlikely before 2029 with a target of full operational integration by 2035, contingent on training and production.
- The agreement includes joint work starting this year on interceptor drones and other defense projects, as Ukraine faces intensified Russian strikes and battlefield pressure.