Overview
- According to the French presidency, Zelenskiy will receive industry briefings from firms including Dassault before signing a letter of intent and contracts later on Monday.
- People briefed on the talks say the visit could yield a 10-year aviation agreement that signals future Rafale combat jets for Ukraine, with some aircraft potentially drawn from French stocks and most delivered over a longer horizon.
- Macron has already pledged additional Mirage fighters and Aster 30 missiles for Ukraine’s SAMP/T batteries, and further SAMP/T systems plus anti-drone capabilities are under discussion.
- Funding arrangements for prospective deals have not been specified, and bringing advanced jets into service will require lengthy pilot training and integration.
- The Paris program also includes a drone production forum and a visit to the headquarters preparing a possible multinational force after any ceasefire, as Russia steps up missile, drone, and ground attacks in southeastern Ukraine.