Ukraine and France Agree on Up to 100 Rafale Jets Deal by 2035

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