Zelensky told reporters that he ordered 100 Rafale planes, adding: “This will be the largest air defense, one of the largest in the world.” The Elysee Palace confirmed the number, but did not specify whether the Dassault-made planes would be transferred from the French military’s inventory or would be a new purchase. Two sources familiar with the matter said that the supply of the planes is part of a ten-year strategic aviation agreement. Some of the planes may come directly from the French stockpile, they said, but most will be part of a long-term effort by Ukraine to increase its fighter fleet to 250 planes, which also includes American F-16s and Swedish Griffins.
The massive missile attack on Moscow Russia Ukraine war | Photo: Reuters
However, there are questions about how the deals will be financed, especially given the political and budgetary instability in Macron’s government. The French president pledged last month to offer additional Mirage fighter jets, after an initial promise of six planes, as well as to provide a new shipment of Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles for the SAMP/T air defense batteries held by Ukraine. According to the sources, Zelensky’s visit may also lead to additional deals for SAMP/T and anti-UAV systems.
Macron’s office said before the visit that the goal is to “put French excellence in military industry at the service of Ukraine’s defense” and “allow it to purchase the systems it needs to respond to Russian aggression.” During his visit, Zelensky received a briefing from various manufacturers, including Dassault, and later in the day a forum was held that brought together French and Ukrainian companies from the field of drones to examine collaborations.