President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the signing of a letter of intent for the acquisition of 100 Rafale fighter jets and their armament at the Villacoublay air base, France, November 17, 2025. CHRISTOPHE ENA / AFP
The goal is to help Ukraine withstand Russian aggression as much as possible, while also rebuilding its armed forces to deter any future attacks if and when the fighting eventually ceases. That is the philosophy behind the cooperation agreements unveiled on Monday, November 17, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Paris. Upon his arrival at Villacoublay air base west of Paris, Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent for the acquisition of 100 Rafale fighter jets and their weaponry, with deliveries that could take place over the next 10 years if firm orders are confirmed.
The agreement also provides for the short-term delivery of next-generation SAMP-T ground-to-air defense systems, available in 2026, as well as drones and new batches of AASM guided bombs, which can already be launched from Ukraine's Soviet-made fighter jets. As Russia continues to target Ukraine's infrastructure and major cities, these supplies would complement ongoing transfers of Mirage jets. Of the six aircraft pledged to Kyiv in June 2024, at least three have been delivered since the beginning of 2025.
