Ukraine has agreed to buy French Rafale fighter jets and air defense systems as part of a deal with France. The agreement includes the purchase of 16 Rafale aircraft, with the option to buy up to 100, and four next-generation SAMP/T-NG air and missile defense systems.
Defense Cooperation
France and Ukraine also agreed to cooperate on the production of Western missiles in Ukraine, including the Aster 30 interceptor missile and the AASM guided bomb. This move is seen as a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian attacks.
The deal was announced on Tuesday, with training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics set to begin in France as early as 2026. The first four aircraft are expected to be delivered after training is completed.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.