Overview
- According to the Élysée, the ten‑year plan envisions possible contracts for around 100 Rafale with associated weapons, eight next‑generation SAMP‑T air‑defense systems, four radars, drones, and AASM Hammer guided bombs.
- Production, pilot training, and financing are still to be negotiated, with fighter deliveries expected to be long‑term as SAMP‑T NG begins entering French service from 2027.
- Macron highlighted near‑term cooperation on drones and guided munitions, with short‑term deliveries planned alongside the broader regeneration program.
- The visit began at Villacoublay for industry presentations before Macron and Zelensky toured the headquarters of the volunteer ‘force multinationale Ukraine,’ which France says is operational with some 35 countries.
- The move comes after renewed Russian missile and drone strikes that killed civilians, while Kyiv pursues a mixed fighter fleet strategy following a recent Gripen letter of intent.