Overview
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent at Villacoublay Air Base covering Rafale fighters, SAMP/T air-defense systems, radars, missiles and drones.
- The agreement is non-binding and sets a roadmap for future contracts rather than an immediate transfer of aircraft or systems.
- According to officials and reporting, some Rafales could come from French stocks, though most deliveries are expected from long-term production as Ukraine builds a mixed Western fleet.
- Zelenskyy said the plan envisions Rafale F4 aircraft for Ukraine by 2035, with initial deliveries expected years from now due to training and integration needs.
- The pact includes defense-industrial cooperation such as co-producing interceptor drones starting this year, as Ukraine faces intensified Russian missile and drone attacks and battlefield pressure.