France confirms Ukraine’s plan to buy as many as 100 Rafale jets amid Zelensky’s Paris visit

Zelensky and Macron signed a letter of intent in Paris, marking one of Kyiv’s largest planned fighter jet purchases since the 2022 invasion.

Ukraine will purchase 'up to 100' French-made Rafale fighter jets along with air-defense systems and drones from France, the Elysee Palace confirmed on Monday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Paris, CNN reported.

Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent at the Villacoublay Air Force Base, southwest of Paris. The agreement outlines Ukraine’s plan to acquire the jets, although France has not yet released financial details or a delivery timeline.

This visit marks Zelensky’s ninth trip to Paris since Russia’s 2022 invasion. France has emerged as a key defence partner for Kyiv, especially as uncertainty persists around the pace of US weapons supplies.

During the signing ceremony, the leaders stood in front of a Rafale loaded with AASM guided bombs and alongside a SCALP cruise missile, both of which France has previously supplied to Ukraine. A SAMP/T missile interceptor system and GF300 radar system, also sent to Kyiv, were displayed at the site.

What the Rafale brings to Kyiv

The Rafale is a multi-role fourth-generation fighter jet, comparable in mission profile to the US-made F-16. According to the French military, it is capable of conducting long-range bombing and air-to-air combat in the same sortie.

France has earlier provided Ukraine with Mirage jets, which form part of France’s main bomber fleet.

Context and significance

Ukraine’s planned Rafale purchase would be one of its largest fighter jet acquisitions since the start of the war. Kyiv has been seeking advanced Western aircraft to strengthen its air capabilities amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.

France has steadily increased its defence support to Ukraine, supplying long-range cruise missiles, air-defense systems and training assistance.