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Macron hails Ukraine’s Rafale jet deal as key step in defense cooperation
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday praised a major defense agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking Kyiv’s acquisition of 100 Rafale fighter jets as a “new step” in bilateral cooperation.
The announcement followed the signing of a Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Acquisition of Defense Equipment at Villacoublay military airport in northern France. The agreement allows Ukraine to procure Rafale F4 aircraft, SAMP/T air-defense systems, radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs from France’s defense industry by 2035.
Macron emphasized that the deal strengthens cooperation both immediately and over the next decade, including the delivery of drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs, and production commitments by the end of this year and the following three years. He underlined France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and enhancing its military capabilities to deter Russian aggression.
The French president also highlighted a €475-million contract between Alstom and the Ukrainian Railway Company for the supply of 55 locomotives, financed by the World Bank, as part of broader intergovernmental agreements covering energy, transport, water, and defense.
Macron stressed the need for European unity, alongside the US and other partners, to maintain pressure on Russia, while providing Ukraine with stable long-term financial support. He reiterated that Ukraine’s path toward the EU would be demanding, requiring reforms in rule of law, governance, and anti-corruption measures, and expressed confidence in the Ukrainian people and President Zelensky to carry out these reforms successfully.
