Zelensky and Macron signed a declaration of intent in Paris for a defence pact that commits France to supply 100 Rafale F4 fighters to Ukraine by 2035, alongside next‑generation SAMP/T air‑defence batteries, radars, missiles and bombs. France will prioritise Ukraine for the upgraded SAMP/T once certified. The agreement also launches joint defence‑industry projects this year, focused on co‑producing interceptor drones and developing critical technologies for Ukraine's drone programmes.
Ukraine and France Sign Landmark Pact: 100 Rafale F4 Jets, Next‑Gen SAMP/T and Joint Drone Projects
Zelensky and Macron signed a declaration of intent in Paris for a defence pact that commits France to supply 100 Rafale F4 fighters to Ukraine by 2035, alongside next‑generation SAMP/T air‑defence batteries, radars, missiles and bombs. France will prioritise Ukraine for the upgraded SAMP/T once certified. The agreement also launches joint defence‑industry projects this year, focused on co‑producing interceptor drones and developing critical technologies for Ukraine's drone programmes.
01:16 AM, 11/18/2025Security
Ukraine and France deepen defence ties with multi-billion‑dollar pact
Nov. 17 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent at Villacoublay airbase near Paris committing France to supply advanced weaponry and to expand defence cooperation with Ukraine.
The agreement outlines the purchase of 100 Rafale F4 multi‑role fighters to equip Ukrainian air combat units by 2035, together with next‑generation SAMP/T surface‑to‑air missile batteries, air‑defence radar, air‑to‑air missiles and aerial bombs.
What the deal includes
The Rafale F4, produced by Dassault Aviation, is a twin‑engine multi‑role fighter that represents a significant capability upgrade—bridging the gap between older fourth‑generation models and the most recent Rafale variants. The contract also covers enhanced air‑defence systems: a new generation of the Franco‑Italian SAMP/T system (still under development), radars and munitions.
Macron said France will prioritise Ukraine to receive the upgraded SAMP/T batteries as soon as they are certified and ready for deployment.
Macron noted that Ukraine is already familiar with the system: a current version of SAMP/T was delivered to Kyiv in 2023, and the forthcoming model will feature improved capabilities.
Industry cooperation and drones
Zelensky said the two countries' defence industries will begin joint projects this year, with a particular focus on interceptor drones. He said French and Ukrainian firms will co‑produce interceptor drones and collaborate on critical technologies and components that can be integrated into Ukraine's existing drone fleets.
Interceptor drones are designed to neutralise attacking or bomber drones by colliding with them, offering a lower‑cost and lower‑risk alternative to explosive countermeasures.
Strategic context
Both leaders framed the pact as part of broader security guarantees to underpin any future negotiated peace. Macron said a strong Ukrainian military is essential to the country’s long‑term security, and the agreement is intended to provide Kyiv with advanced capabilities and industrial cooperation to sustain those forces.
This declaration of intent sets out a long‑term cooperation framework; detailed procurement contracts, financing and delivery schedules will be negotiated and formalised in the months and years ahead.