Ukraine signs agreement to purchase 100 Rafale fighter jets from France.

(CLO) On November 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an agreement to purchase 100 Rafale fighter jets and other military equipment from France.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent to cooperate in the field of defense on November 17.

Accordingly, the focus is on Kyiv's plan to purchase Rafale fighter jets and the next-generation SAMP/T air defense system.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sign an agreement at Villacoublay air base. Photo: X/Emmanuel Macron

According to the Ukrainian President's Office, the statement was signed during Zelenskyy's official visit to France and concerns a plan to "procure defense equipment" for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy described the signing as a "historic moment" for both countries.

The agreement allows Ukraine to purchase a range of equipment from the French defense industry, “including 100 Rafale F4 aircraft for the air force by 2035, SAMP/T air defense systems, radar, air-to-air missiles and guided bombs,” Zelensky said on social media.

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, considered one of the most advanced jet aircraft currently available in Europe.

The French Rafale fighter jet. Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0

A portrait of the French Rafale fighter jet that Serbia recently spent billions of euros to acquire.

Speaking at a press conference after the signing ceremony, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv aims to purchase SAMP/T systems, each consisting of six launchers.

President Macron confirmed his agreement with the plan, adding that Ukraine expects to receive the next-generation SAMP/T version currently under development.

Zelenskyy also revealed that the Ukrainian and French defense industries will launch more joint projects this year, including programs to develop interceptor drones. He said Paris is preparing a new defense support package for Ukraine by the end of the year.

Since 2022, France has become an important ally of Ukraine, providing modern equipment such as Mirage 2000 aircraft, artillery, SCALP long-range missiles, and various other weapons.

In an effort to modernize its air force, Ukraine has previously received F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands, and has also signed agreements to purchase up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets in the coming years.

Prior to his visit to France, the Ukrainian president visited Greece, where he signed an agreement on a new gas supply route and other agreements related to supporting gas imports.

Zelenskyy is also expected to visit Spain on November 18 to negotiate strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Source: https://congluan.vn/ukraine-ky-thoa-thuan-mua-100-tiem-kich-rafale-cua-phap-10318172.html