Overview
- Zelenskiy meets Macron for talks that include briefings with manufacturers such as Dassault and the planned signing of a letter of intent and contracts today.
- According to people briefed on the talks, a 10-year strategic aviation agreement under discussion could pave the way for Rafale fighters, though details remain unconfirmed.
- Macron has pledged additional Mirage jets and a new batch of Aster 30 missiles for SAMP/T batteries, with further SAMP/T systems and anti-drone equipment under consideration as financing is worked out.
- Any advanced jets would be phased in, with limited transfers from French stocks and most arriving over the longer term as Ukraine builds a roughly 250-aircraft fleet, requiring extensive pilot training.
- The push comes as Russia intensifies drone and missile attacks and reports gains in Zaporizhzhia, while France and Britain prepare a multinational headquarters at Mont Valerien for a potential post-ceasefire force.