Ukraine and France signed a letter of intent on Monday for the delivery of up to 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets over the next ten years, along with advanced air defense systems, munitions, drones, and drone interceptors.
The non-binding political commitment was announced by Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony at Villacoublay military airport outside Paris.
The deal covers newly produced Rafale aircraft equipped with full armament, next-generation SAMP/T air-defense batteries, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and additional equipment.
First deliveries of certain systems are expected within three years, while Rafale jets will follow a longer timeline due to extensive pilot training requirements that can take at least three years.
Financing is planned through European Union programs and potential use of frozen Russian assets, subject to future EU approval.
France stated the agreement will not affect deliveries to its own air force or other export customers.
The announcement follows intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and reported ground advances in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Zelenskyy described the package as key to creating one of the world's strongest air defenses and regenerating Ukraine's military capabilities.
Macron emphasized short-term support through drones and interceptors while building long-term capacity to deter any future Russian incursion after a possible peace agreement.
Shares in Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation rose 8 percent following the news.
The agreement adds to Ukraine's growing multinational fighter fleet, which already includes U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirage jets, with separate talks ongoing for Swedish Gripens.