Ukraine to receive 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets from France

New Delhi, Nov 18: Ukraine will receive up to 100 French Rafale F4 fighter jets along with advanced air defence systems under a major defence agreement aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to counter Russian attacks, the BBC reported.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the move as “historic” after signing a letter of intent with French President Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.

Deliveries of the Rafale jets are expected to be completed by 2035, while joint production of interceptor drones will begin this year.

Financial arrangements are yet to be finalised, though France is reportedly exploring EU financing and access to frozen Russian assets — a move that has divided the 27-member bloc.

Zelensky said the agreement would span 10 years, beginning next year, and confirmed the package will include strong French radars, eight air defence systems and other advanced weaponry.

Using such systems, he said, “means protecting someone’s life — this is very important.”

Macron emphasised the scale of the commitment: “We’re planning Rafales — 100 Rafales. That’s huge. That’s what’s needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.”

The agreement comes as Russia intensifies drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, targeting energy and transport infrastructure and causing widespread blackouts.

Dozens of civilians have been killed in recent attacks — acts Ukraine and its Western partners have labelled war crimes.

Defence analysts told the BBC the Rafale jets could prove crucial in protecting Ukrainian airspace, but warned their impact will depend on delivery timelines, accompanying missile systems, and adequate training and logistics support.

Zelensky is now travelling to Spain to seek further military assistance, following a gas deal with Greece over the weekend.

Russian forces currently control about 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory, more than three years after the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.