"Historic move by Kyiv"

As announced by the Élysée Palace, the goal is to “put French excellence in the arms industry at the service of Ukraine’s defense” and to “enable the acquisition of systems needed to counter Russian aggression.” The French presidency specifically highlighted the “defense of Ukrainian airspace,” while Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday reiterated his call for more air defense systems following new large-scale Russian air attacks on his country.

Ludovic MARIN / AFP / Profimedia

Ukrainian President, who last month signed a letter of intent to acquire 100 to 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets, will be presented with the French Rafale fighter jet and its equipment, as well as drone systems and the next-generation SAMP-T air defense system.

The latter is expected to be delivered to France in early 2027. This system features enhanced missile interception capabilities compared to the current SAMP-T, one of which is already deployed in Ukraine.

“It’s a ‘historic agreement’”

“We are working on the delivery of several air defense systems and on strengthening our air forces,” Volodymyr Zelensky announced in a video on Friday, adding that a “major agreement with France” is being prepared and that he is “confident it will be finalized very soon.”

He also described the deal as a “historic agreement.”

At the end of October, Macron announced the delivery — “in the coming days” — of Aster air defense missiles used in the SAMP-T system, as well as additional Mirage 2000 fighter jets. Kyiv has already received three of the six promised aircraft. In the afternoon, the two leaders will participate at the Élysée Palace in a French-Ukrainian forum on drones.

This year, Kyiv plans to use more than 4.5 million drones, which are responsible for 70 percent of the destruction of enemy equipment on the front lines. The country has developed a strong production network for this purpose. Ukraine also uses drones to shoot down Shahed drones, which are launched toward its territory every night.