On Monday, November 17, France and Ukraine signed a "historic" declaration on Ukraine's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, missiles for them, and SAMP/T air defense systems. According to Hvylya, the broadcast was streamed on the website of the President of Ukraine's Office.

"The Declaration of Intent between the President of Ukraine and the President of the French Republic regarding cooperation in the sphere of Ukraine's acquisition of defense equipment is being signed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron," the broadcast stated.

It should be noted that Zelenskyy is in Paris for negotiations with President Emmanuel Macron. He may bring back several valuable deals from there.

In particular, they are expected to conclude an agreement under which France will supply Ukraine with air defense assets, military aircraft, and missiles to strengthen the Ukrainian army in the long term. Zelensky had previously announced on his X page that an "historic agreement" was being prepared with France.

"There will be a significant strengthening of our combat aviation, air defense, and other defense capabilities. According to the visit schedule, this will happen on Monday," he stated.

Zelensky's visit to Macron comes amid a worsening situation at the front, including intensified Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.

Macron's office stated that the goal of the negotiations is "to put French excellence in the defense industry at the service of Ukraine's defense" and "to allow it to acquire the systems necessary to respond to Russian aggression."

Meanwhile, Reuters wrote that negotiations on how France could bolster Kyiv's air defense had been ongoing for several weeks. This, despite political and budgetary instability in Paris, raised questions about how much France could truly assist Kyiv.

Last month, Macron promised to offer more Mirage fighters, initially pledging to supply six, as well as a new batch of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles, produced by the European group MBDA, for the SAMP/T air defense batteries.

However, according to two sources, Zelenskyy's visit to Paris will give Kyiv more. It could include a 10-year aviation development agreement, which would signal the supply of Dassault-made Rafale multirole fighter jets to Kyiv.

As noted, some aircraft may be delivered to Kyiv directly from French stockpiles, but the majority will be part of future agreements. Pilot training will also take some time.

In addition, two Reuters sources said that Zelensky may conclude another agreement for more SAMP/T air defense systems.

However, the sources noted that it is unclear how these agreements will be financed.

Furthermore, besides the visits by Zelensky and Macron, Ukrainian and French companies working on drone manufacturing will meet in France for potential cooperation.

Thus, the strategic agreement covers a number of critically important areas of military aid:

  • Aviation and Fighters: The agreement provides for the transfer of Rafale multirole fighters to Ukraine. Some of these aircraft will come directly from French reserves, with the rest to be supplied under a long-term plan.

  • Long-Term Development Plan: A 10-year agreement has been signed to facilitate the development of Ukraine's aviation fleet. The goal is to increase it to 250 aircraft, including F-16s and Swedish Gripens.

  • Air Defense: Supplies of SAMP/T air defense systems, missiles, and modern anti-drone measures will be carried out.

Reference: The Rafale fighters planned for supply to Ukraine are 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, distinguished by high maneuverability and versatility. The fighter crew consists of 1-2 people, its maximum speed reaches 2,203 kilometers per hour (Mach 1.8), and its combat load can be up to 9.5 tons.