Defense & Military
Ukraine and France Agree on Up to 100 Rafale Jets Deal by 2035
Ukraine plans to acquire 100 Rafale jets from France by 2035, alongside advanced air defense systems, to modernize its air force.
A New Chapter for Ukraine’s Air Force: The Franco-Ukrainian Rafale Agreement
In a move described as “truly historic” by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine and France have solidified a significant defense agreement that signals a new era for Kyiv’s airpower. On November 17, 2025, a letter of intent was signed by President Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, outlining the potential acquisition of up to 100 Dassault Rafale fighter jets by Ukraine. This agreement is not merely a transaction; it represents a strategic deepening of Franco-Ukrainian defense cooperation and a critical step in the long-term modernization of Ukraine’s armed forces as it continues to defend its sovereignty.
The significance of this deal extends far beyond the impressive number of aircraft. It is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s broader strategy to transition its air force from aging Soviet-era equipment to modern, NATO-standard Western platforms. Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, this modernization has been a paramount priority for Kyiv. The potential addition of the Rafale, a highly capable 4.5-generation multirole fighter, would provide the Ukrainian Air Force with a formidable asset, enhancing its ability to conduct a wide range of missions, from air superiority to deep-strike operations.
This landmark agreement with France is part of a larger, concerted effort by Ukraine to build a robust and resilient future air fleet. It follows a similar letter of intent signed with Sweden for the potential purchase of Gripen fighters, indicating a multi-pronged approach to securing its skies. The comprehensive nature of the French deal, which includes advanced air defense systems and other critical munitions, underscores a holistic approach to bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities for the decade to come.
The Strategic Pillars of the Agreement
The letter of intent signed in Paris is more than a preliminary step; it is a detailed blueprint for a decade-long strategic partnership. The core of the agreement is the proposal for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale F4 aircraft, with the acquisition anticipated to be completed by 2035. This long-term timeline reflects the strategic nature of the plan, focusing on the “regeneration of the Ukrainian military,” as President Macron noted. It is a forward-looking initiative aimed at building a sustainable and powerful defense architecture for post-war Ukraine.
However, the deal’s scope is far more comprehensive than the fighter jets alone. It constitutes a complete defense package designed to create a layered and integrated air defense network. Included in the proposal are eight next-generation SAMP-T NG (New Generation) air defense systems, each equipped with six launchers. This is particularly noteworthy as these systems are still in development and will be deployed first in Ukraine, offering upgraded capabilities specifically designed to counter threats like Russian ballistic missiles. The package is further supplemented by air-defense radars, a variety of air-to-air missiles, and guided aerial bombs, providing a full spectrum of capabilities.
The financial and industrial implications of this agreement are substantial. Following the announcement, shares in Dassault Aviation, the manufacturers of the Rafale, saw a notable increase of over 6% on the Paris stock exchange. This reflects investor confidence in the deal and the expected ramp-up in production. Dassault is reportedly increasing its manufacturing capacity with the goal of producing five Rafale fighters per month by 2030, a necessary step to fulfill this and other international orders.
“This document enables Ukraine to procure military equipment from France’s defense industrial and technological base, including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft by 2035 for Ukraine’s combat aviation, SAMP/T air-defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.”, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Rafale: A Game-Changing Platform
The Dassault Rafale is widely regarded as one of the world’s most advanced and versatile multirole fighter military aircraft. Its “omnirole” capability allows it to seamlessly perform a vast array of missions, including air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strikes, anti-ship operations, and even nuclear deterrence. Powered by twin engines and featuring a canard delta wing design, the Rafale can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8 and carries a formidable arsenal, including advanced SCALP and Meteor missiles.
For Ukraine, the integration of the Rafale F4, the latest standard of the aircraft, would represent a quantum leap in aerial combat capability. This platform would provide a significant qualitative advantage, enabling the Ukrainian Air Force to more effectively challenge enemy air assets and strike targets with high precision. The transition for Ukrainian pilots is also a key consideration. President Zelenskyy has expressed confidence that pilots with experience on the French-made Mirage 2000 jets, which Ukraine has also received from France, will be able to transition to the more advanced Rafale “very quickly,” potentially shortening the typically lengthy training cycle for such sophisticated aircraft.
The acquisition is part of a larger vision for Ukraine’s future air force, which is expected to operate a mixed fleet of Western fighters. The goal is to build a force of up to 250 combat aircraft, likely comprising F-16s, Swedish Gripens, and now, French Rafales. This diverse fleet would provide operational flexibility and reduce reliance on a single platform, creating a more resilient and adaptable air arm capable of meeting a wide range of threats.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The Franco-Ukrainian agreement is a powerful symbol of deepening European defense integration and a shared commitment to continental security. It moves beyond immediate military aid, fostering long-term industrial and technological cooperation. The pact also includes provisions for the joint production of drones and aerial bombs, further intertwining the defense industries of the two nations and enhancing Ukraine’s domestic production capabilities. This strategic alignment extends into the civilian sector as well, with a concurrent agreement for Ukrainian Railways to purchase 55 electric locomotives from French manufacturer Alstom, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the partnership.
This deal is set against the backdrop of Ukraine’s urgent need to bolster its defenses as it faces another winter of potential Russian attacks on its critical infrastructure. The inclusion of the advanced SAMP-T NG systems is a direct response to this threat, providing a much-needed shield against ballistic and cruise missiles. French military officials have noted that the SAMP-T systems already provided to Ukraine have proven highly effective, in some cases outperforming other Western-supplied systems against specific Russian missile types. The deployment of the next-generation version promises to further enhance this protective umbrella.
Concluding Section
The letter of intent for the acquisition of up to 100 Rafale jets is a watershed moment for the Ukrainian military and a testament to the strengthening strategic alliance between Kyiv and Paris. This is not simply a defense procurement deal; it is a comprehensive, decade-long plan to rebuild and modernize Ukraine’s air combat and air defense capabilities from the ground up. By providing access to one of the world’s most advanced fighter platforms and cutting-edge air defense systems, France is making a profound investment in Ukraine’s long-term security and its future as a sovereign, resilient nation.
Looking ahead, the successful implementation of this agreement will be a complex undertaking, requiring extensive training, logistical support, and industrial coordination. However, the strategic vision is clear: to forge a Ukrainian Air Force that is not only capable of defending its own skies but is also fully interoperable with its Western partners. This historic pact lays the foundation for that future, ensuring that Ukraine will have the tools it needs to secure its sovereignty for generations to come.
FAQ
Question: Is the deal for 100 Rafale jets finalized?
Answer: No, the agreement signed on November 17, 2025, is a letter of intent, not a finalized sales contract. It outlines a proposal for the acquisition to be realized over the next decade, by 2035.
Question: What other military equipment is included in the agreement?
Answer: The comprehensive package also includes eight next-generation SAMP-T NG air defense systems, air-defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and guided aerial bombs.
Question: What is the significance of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet?
Answer: The Rafale is a highly advanced twin-engine, multirole fighter known for its “omnirole” capabilities. It can perform a wide variety of missions, including air supremacy, ground support, and deep-strike operations, which would significantly enhance the Ukrainian Air Force’s capabilities.
Sources: united24media.com
Military Technology
Saab Demonstrates Autonomous BVR AI Agents on Gripen E
Saab unveiled in-house AI agents for autonomous BVR air combat on the Gripen E after two years of flight testing.
Saab AB has successfully demonstrated autonomous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat capabilities using proprietary artificial intelligence agents integrated into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer officially unveiled the in-house technology on November 3, 2026, following approximately two years of airborne testing.
In a press release issued today, Saab confirmed the flight trials mark a critical step toward developing collaborative combat aircraft networks, where crewed and uncrewed systems operate as a coordinated force. The milestone underscores the company’s strategy to maintain sovereign control over its technology stack rather than relying entirely on external software providers.
Sovereign AI development and the Sferical facility
Saab centralized its artificial intelligence development under the AI Fighter Pilot Academy (AIFPA), an infrastructure designed to create, train, and evaluate AI agents. The department driving this initiative, Saab Advanced Programs, features a workforce where 40 percent of the staff hold doctorate-level qualifications, according to Aviation International News.
Peter Nilsson, Head of Advanced Programs at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the operational focus of the project.
“We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future.”
To support this development, Saab recently implemented the Sferical AI facility in Linköping, Sweden. Part-owned by Saab, Ericsson, and AstraZeneca, the sovereign computing asset utilizes Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture. Aviation International News reported that the facility is powered by 1,152 Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units. This computing power allows Saab to run a one-hour flight test simulation one billion times in the same period, compared to just 1,200 times in a traditional central processing unit environment.
Speaking to Breaking Defense, Nilsson outlined the primary challenge facing the AIFPA following the successful flight trials.
“The harder question is how we turn this success into a dependable capability that can learn, improve, and be relevant over time… that is the true purpose of the AI Fighter Pilot Academy.”
Gripen E architecture and testing timeline
Saab, which employs approximately 31,000 people globally, utilized the Gripen E as the primary testbed for its AI agents. The aircraft features a software-defined architecture that segregates mission software from flight-critical functions. This separation enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies without requiring dedicated experimental platforms or compromising safety of flight.
Prior to unveiling its in-house agents, Saab collaborated with third-party developers to validate the aircraft’s autonomous potential. On May 28, 2025, a Gripen E trials aircraft flew for the first time with the Centaur AI agent developed by Helsing, demonstrating initial BVR air combat capabilities.
Following these third-party trials, Saab transitioned to testing its proprietary agents. The company briefed journalists on the readiness of its in-house AI agents for operational deployment on October 30, 2026, before the official public unveiling on November 3, 2026.
Collaborative combat and future integration
The integration of artificial intelligence into combat aircraft aligns with a broader industry shift toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Defence contractors globally are developing networks where crewed fighters command uncrewed loyal wingman platforms.
Saab is actively testing the sensor networks required for these collaborative operations. On October 28, 2026, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar with an MQ-9B unmanned UAV.
Looking ahead, Saab anticipates that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Air Force will absorb these AI agents into real-world operations within months or single digits of years, according to Aviation International News. In the interim, Saab plans to expand the capabilities of its agents by flying them in a broader range of scenarios, establishing the foundation for future uncrewed platforms.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s insistence on sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence development contrasts with competitors who heavily outsource to commercial technology firms. By owning the entire technology stack, Saab positions itself to offer highly secure, exportable AI packages free from third-party licensing bottlenecks or foreign regulatory hurdles. The massive investment in the Sferical AI facility indicates we are seeing a shift from experimental AI flight tests to industrialized, mass-scale tactical training for autonomous systems. If Saab can deliver on its timeline for Swedish Air Forces integration, the Gripen E could become one of the first Western fighters to field operational, combat-ready AI agents in frontline service.
Defense & Military
Greece Orders Up to Six Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft
Greece signed a government-to-government deal with Portugal for up to six KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with first delivery in 2027.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense has signed a government-to-government agreement with Portugal to acquire up to six Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Greece the seventh European nation to select the Brazilian-built tactical airlifter.
Announced by Embraer in a press release on November 2, 2026, the contract includes three firm orders and options for three additional aircraft, with the first delivery to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027. The acquisition aims to modernize Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with allied North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Expanding the European footprint
The procurement is structured as a bilateral agreement between the governments of Greece and Portugal. By selecting the KC-390 Millennium, Greece joins a growing list of NATO and European Union member states transitioning to the jet-powered transport to replace legacy turboprop fleets.
Embraer views the Greek acquisition as a validation of the aircraft’s utility within the European defense architecture, where interoperability and multi-role flexibility are primary requirements for fleet modernization.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft,” Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said in the company statement. “This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
Da Costa Junior added that the aircraft’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.
The KC-390’s development and market position
The Embraer C-390 and KC-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft designed to perform aerial refueling, troop transport, and cargo airlift. Development of the platform began in the mid-2000s. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to Embraer, a manufacturer with over 55 years of history and more than 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2015, achieved civil certification in 2018, and entered military operational service in September 2019. It was developed specifically as a modern, jet-powered alternative to legacy turboprop tactical transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greece is the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Outside of Europe, the aircraft has been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.
The program has seen significant momentum in recent months. On July 8, 2026, the Czech Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which featured a special three-tone gray camouflage designed by the Military History Institute in Prague. Shortly after, on July 23, 2026, Colombia signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium transports, with one configured as a tanker to support its incoming Gripen fighter fleet.
AirPro News analysis
Embraer’s success in Europe with the KC-390 Millennium highlights a definitive shift in the tactical airlift market. For decades, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules dominated this space. The KC-390’s jet-powered speed, payload capacity, and multi-mission flexibility have proven highly attractive to medium-sized NATO air forces looking to modernize. Securing Greece, a nation with stringent defense requirements and a focus on regional interoperability, validates Embraer’s strategy of leveraging early European adopters like Portugal to facilitate government-to-government sales. We expect this momentum to place increasing pressure on competing legacy platforms in upcoming recapitalization bids across the globe.
Defense & Military
US Army HADES Prototype ME-11B Completes First Flight
The U.S. Army’s first HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500, completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026.
The U.S. Army’s first High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) prototype completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the service’s transition from legacy turboprops to high-altitude jet intelligence platforms.
In a press release issued on October 30, 2026, the U.S. Army confirmed the flight followed extensive structural modifications by lead systems integrator Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to convert a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a military sensor platform. The program aims to provide commanders with deep sensing capabilities to operate effectively in contested environments against advanced anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats.
Transitioning to deep sensing capabilities
The maiden flight represents the transition of the HADES program from the structural modification phase into mission system integration and developmental flight testing. Prior to the September 11 flight, engineers and test pilots completed structural modifications, installed mission system hardware, and conducted preliminary baseline airworthiness verification at SNC facilities, likely in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The U.S. Army is actively divesting its legacy turboprop intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet, which includes platforms such as the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older aircraft are being replaced by high-altitude jets capable of operating further from advanced A2/AD threats. Business jets like the Bombardier Global 6500 offer operational altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.9, allowing onboard sensors to achieve greater line-of-sight over the horizon compared to lower-flying turboprops.
Lt. Col. (P) James Hickey, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, emphasized the operational necessity of the new platform.
“The first flight of HADES Prototype 1 transitions our vision for deep sensing from concept to reality. Deep sensing is critical to maintaining decision advantage in the future fight. HADES will help commanders see farther, understand faster, and act with greater precision across the multi-domain battlefield.”
Program timeline and fleet development
The HADES platform is a core component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) initiative. The U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, alongside the Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence, manages the procurement and lifecycle of the asset.
Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded the lead systems integrator contract for the HADES program in August 2024, a deal with a reported ceiling value of $991.3 million. The contract faced a brief suspension due to a protest by competitor L3Harris before proceeding. Bombardier subsequently delivered the first Global 6500 airframe to the U.S. Army in Wichita, Kansas, on November 25, 2024.
The U.S. Army officially designated the militarized Global 6500 as the ME-11B in early 2025. Fleet expansion has continued steadily since the initial delivery. On January 13, 2026, SNC announced the acquisition of a fourth Global 6500, intended to serve as the first non-prototype aircraft in the operational fleet.
Despite the hardware progress, the final acquisition objective for the HADES fleet remains unconfirmed by the U.S. Army. A January 2026 Request for Information outlined a fleet of 11 aircraft with an objective of 14. However, defense media reports from May 2025 indicated the Army might reduce the planned fleet to six aircraft due to budget realignments. The service has not publicly clarified the final fleet size in its recent communications.
Next steps in developmental testing
With the initial flight complete, the Army and SNC will spend late 2026 and 2027 integrating and testing HADES mission systems through a comprehensive developmental flight test program. This phase is designed to validate the aircraft’s multi-domain sensing and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
The developmental testing will determine the effectiveness and operational readiness of the integrated systems ahead of formal operational demonstrations. Hickey noted that the achievement reflects the technical precision of military, civilian, and industry partners working to deliver transformational capabilities to the joint force.
AirPro News analysis
The successful first flight of the HADES prototype underscores a structural shift in military airborne ISR procurement. By selecting commercial business jets over bespoke military airframes or traditional turboprops, the U.S. Army is prioritizing altitude, speed, and payload capacity to counter modern A2/AD networks. This mirrors the U.S. Air Force’s approach with the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet, which also utilizes a Bombardier Global airframe. The strategy allows the military to leverage billions of dollars in commercial aviation research and development, reducing both unit costs and development timelines.
However, the unresolved questions surrounding the final acquisition objective highlight the ongoing tension between ambitious multi-domain operational requirements and constrained defense budgets. If the fleet is ultimately capped at six aircraft rather than the originally envisioned 14, the Army will need to carefully manage deployment cycles and maintenance schedules to maintain persistent deep sensing coverage in key theaters like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. A smaller fleet size would place a premium on the reliability and mission capable rates of the ME-11B platform.
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