France Expands Military Support for Ukraine with Rafale Jets and Weapons Production Licenses

World

France has announced a major expansion of its defense cooperation with Ukraine. In addition to supplying advanced military equipment, Kyiv will receive licenses to manufacture several French missile systems domestically while continuing the implementation of its Rafale fighter aircraft procurement program. The new agreements form part of a broader European strategy to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

France Expands Military Support for Ukraine with Rafale Jets and Weapons Production Licenses
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Ukraine has ordered 100 Rafale multirole fighter jets, with the first 16 aircraft expected to be delivered in 2028–2029. The procurement agreement was signed in November 2025.

France will also grant Ukraine production licenses for several key weapons systems, including Aster-30 long-range surface-to-air missiles for the SAMP/T air defense system, SCALP-EG long-range air-launched cruise missiles, and AASM precision-guided bomb kits. According to Paris, local production will enhance the resilience of Ukraine's defense industry.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Macron announced that allied countries had agreed to begin military exercises in states neighboring Ukraine. The initiative aims to prepare multinational forces that could be deployed after a future ceasefire.

For his part, Keir Starmer confirmed that the United Kingdom would join the €90 billion European military assistance financing program for Ukraine, enabling British defense companies to participate in contracts funded under the initiative.

Macron also urged European countries to move toward greater joint defense production, arguing that duplicating national military programs weakens Europe's defense industry. He stressed that Europe must accelerate the production of drones, air defense systems, missiles, and ammunition to meet growing security demands.

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