Did Ukraine Seal a Deal With France For Rafale Jets and

(The Post News) – On Monday, Ukrainian President, Volodymr Zelensky signed a letter of intent with France. The agreement permits the Ukraine to purchase 100 Rafale jets for over the next 10 years. This purchase includes drones, air-defense systems and other various equipment to support Ukraine’s security.

The Ukraine is to receive 100 Rafale fighter jets, French radars, eight air-defense systems SAMP/T and six launching systems.

Zelensky noted that this document served as a “historic deal”. He made this announcement at the Elysee presidential palace, alongside Emmanuel Macron, France’s President.

How is This Deal Beneficial to Both Countries?

Macron proclaimed “a new step forward” in the relationship between both countries. He explained that the deal required weeks of extensive negotiations and emphasized a common ambition to modernize regional security.

Zelensky and Macron Seal Multi Million Safety Precautionary Measure deal. Photo by: G. Gosset for Dessault Aviation

According to Macron, this deal ensures the safe delivery of the fighter jets, equipped with advanced armament systems. Alongside a supplemented comprehensive package with extensive pilot/crew training and an establishment of collaborative production initiatives.

Macron described all mentioned elements as a milestone to the advancement of military co-operation strength and mutual security capabilities.

To What Extent is The Rafale of Importance?

The Rafale jet is considered as the most advanced of its kind. The most versatile and delta-wing, worth more than 85 million in Euros each. Widely in French operations, the Middle East and Africa.

France’s Defense Chief, Air Force General, Fabien Madon, recently informed the senators about the European-built SAMP/T air-defense systems that have been supplied to the Ukraine. They have been reported to be performing better than the United States (U.S.) Patriot batteries when dealing with Russian missile targets.

There has been no schedule given thus far for the delivery of the first set of Rafales. A French government official stated that training for a Rafale pilot lasts up to at least 36 months (3 years).

The government official confirmed France of embodying the capacity to increase the production of Rafale jets to satisfy Ukrainian needs. Paris will not be obligated to divert the aircraft in service with the French Military. The official is not permitted to disclose more on this issue, as it is of sensitive nature.

Assurance emerges as France seeks to balance support for Kyiv with its personal defense requirements. The official emphasized the forthcoming agreement with Ukraine and how it will not place delivery schedules in a jeopardized position for international stakeholders. This is considered an underlying concern given the surge in global demand for advanced combat aircraft.

Rafale’s manufacturer, Dessault Aviation, has successfully sold more than 500 jets globally. 300 of them were exported to a list of possible buyers including Egypt, Qatar, Croatia, Indonesia, India, Greece, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates.

The organization placed Rafale as combat-proven and versatile aircraft. An appeal used to secure pipeline of foreign orders.

Multinational Force

On Monday, 17th November 2025, Zelensky made a visitation to the Villacoubly Military Airbase in Paris. He witnessed French Rafale fighter jets, advanced drones and the latest SAMP/T air-defense system. Zelensky and Macron later in that afternoon, attended a Franco-Ukrainian drone forum at the Elysee Palace.

The forum’s purpose was to bring key stakeholders together in one setting for the drone ecosystem. In order to strengthen co-operation between both countries and mitigate issues from industry to finance.

Ukrainian drones are responsible for approximately 70% of Russian’s equipment forfeits on the front line. They are also used in intercepting thousands of Shahed drone launches against military, civilian and enemy targets. Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has successfully built drone production network and intends to deploy 4.5 million drones this year.

As Macron and Zelensky had fun in Mont Valerien near Paris, a coalition led by Britain and France prepared a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. Officials warned that a force may face deployment after a ceasefire in remedial of Deter Russian attacks. Russian President, Vladimir Putin allegedly rejected the offer as Russian troops advanced.

On the 24th of October 2025, a European-majority coalition met in London, in preparation of the Ukrainian security guarantees. This includes the military support across the land, air and sea. In accordance to Elysee, the coalition’s headquarters are ready and deployment can take place immediately following the ceasefire.

Are There Risks of Experiencing Financial Constraints?

No details have been disclosed regarding financial issues on the Ukraine’s defense package. However, Kyiv is propelling the use of Russia’s frozen assets which the EU are still yet to approve of. Zelensky was optimistic about an agreement permitting assets to fund the European defense efforts, U.S. air-defense systems and Ukrainian production.

He had recently visited Greece with the aims of successfully securing the U.S. liquefied natural gas supplies. He is expected to travel to Spain on Tuesday, 18th Of November 2025.