Ukraine will obtain up to 100 French-made Rafale warplanes over the next 10 years under a deal signed on Monday (17 November) with France, both countries said, as Kyiv seeks to bolster its defences against Russia's invasion.
The deal, which also includes Air defence systems, munitions and drones, forms part of a broader defence cooperation agreement signed with President Macron.
Zelenskyy said the agreement is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s military and will come into effect in 2026, lasting for ten years. Under the deal, Ukraine will also receive “very powerful” French radars and eight SAMP/T air defence systems.
"It will be the greatest air defence, one of the greatest in the world," Zelenskyy told reporters at the event at France's Villacoublay military airport.
The announcement comes after a surge of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, and Moscow's reports of ground advances in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.
The letter of intent was a political commitment, rather than a purchase deal, which would come later, the Elysee said. The aim was to finance it with European Union programmes and the planned use of frozen Russian assets, which the EU still has to agree.
The Ukrainian president emphasised that France’s move is a significant step towards ensuring real and guaranteed security in Europe.
He added that he and Macron had also met with defence companies to discuss specific aspects of technological cooperation.
Zelenskyy also thanked Macron for a new defence package due at the end of the year, which he said would further strengthen Ukraine.
During the visit, Ukrainian state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia signed an agreement with French manufacturer Alstom SA to purchase 55 new electric locomotives to support Ukraine’s logistics.
Zelenskyy visited France following a trip to Athens, Greece, and is scheduled to travel to Spain on Tuesday.
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from ex...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to ...
Hong Kong's election on Sunday (7 December) saw a near-record-low turnout after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years prompted anger against its Ch...
Australia is poised to launch the world’s strictest crackdown on youth internet usage, turning the country into a global petri dish for digital regu...
Russia has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow’s own vision, as Washi...
Following a high-level meeting of the Communist Party leadership on Monday, state media confirmed that China will seek to insulate its economy from external volatility by turning inward, pledging to "keep expanding domestic demand" through a suite of "more proactive" policies.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Hong Kong's election on Sunday (7 December) saw a near-record-low turnout after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years prompted anger against its China-backed authorities, but voter participation edged higher than in the previous vote four years ago.
Australia is poised to launch the world’s strictest crackdown on youth internet usage, turning the country into a global petri dish for digital regulation just as schools break up for the long summer holidays.
A coup attempt by a “small group of soldiers” has been foiled in Benin after hours of gunfire struck parts of the economic capital Cotonou, officials said on Sunday.
A delayed local vote in the rural Honduran town of San Antonio de Flores has become a pivotal moment in the country’s tightest presidential contest, with both campaigns watching its results as counting stretches into a second week.
FIFA releases the 2026 World Cup schedule with match dates, venues, and key fixtures. See when host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada play and get an overview of group stage and knockout rounds.
Lava fountains shot from Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano from dawn to dusk on Saturday, with new footage showing intensifying activity at the north vent.
McLaren’s Lando Norris became Formula One world champion for the first time in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen to the title by just two points after a tense season finale.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Hong Kong's election on Sunday (7 December) saw a near-record-low turnout after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years prompted anger against its China-backed authorities, but voter participation edged higher than in the previous vote four years ago.
Australia is poised to launch the world’s strictest crackdown on youth internet usage, turning the country into a global petri dish for digital regulation just as schools break up for the long summer holidays.
Russia has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling it largely consistent with Moscow’s own vision, as Washington pushes forward with efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.
Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday after fresh fighting erupted before dawn on Monday, raising fears of the collapse of a peace plan brokered just months ago by U.S. President Donald Trump.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment