Presidents of Ukraine and France Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron adopted a Joint Declaration on the roadmap for Ukraine’s acquisition of Rafale combat aircraft, air defense and ballistic missile defense equipment (SAMP/T NG), as well as licensed production of SAM, SCALP and Aster 30 ammunition in Ukraine. The text of the document was published on the OP website, Ukrinform reports. The PromPolitInform portal reports.
“In accordance with the declaration of intent signed by the two leaders on November 17, 2025, Ukraine and the French Republic confirm their intention to cooperate to accelerate the equipping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are the first guarantee of security for Ukraine and Europe. France and Ukraine agree to prioritize projects that strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation and air and missile defense capabilities,” the declaration says.
It is noted that, in accordance with the agreed framework of the European Union Support Loan for Ukraine (USL), Ukraine confirms that its defense priorities within the framework of the defense component will strengthen integration and cooperation between the defense-industrial and technological bases of Ukraine and the European Union.
The declaration states that Ukraine announces an order for an initial 16 Rafale aircraft and their armaments out of 100 planned for purchase in November 2025. The corresponding financing will be requested within the 2026 and 2027 tranches of the Loan in Support of Ukraine and through any other sources of financing.
The first four Rafale aircraft will be transferred to the Armed Forces after the completion of the training cycle of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics, which may begin in France in 2026.
“Air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, including air-to-ground modular weapons (AASM) bombs, laser-guided anti-drone missiles, as well as MICA and METEOR missiles, will be delivered in accordance with the operational deployment of the aircraft,” the document says.
It is noted that each Rafale aircraft will be equipped with weapons in a volume corresponding to the quantity agreed upon during consultations between the bilateral technical groups.
In addition, France allows licensed production of AASM bombs and SCALP missiles in Ukraine until the end of 2026 and with the start of operations as soon as possible.
In the field of air and ballistic missile defense, Ukraine will become the first combat user of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. At the same time, France and Italy allow licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine.
“Ukraine also announces the order of four Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. The corresponding financing will be requested within the 2026 and 2027 tranches of the Ukraine Support Loan (USL). Five GM400 radars, one GF300 radar and one Kronos radar will also be included in the USL delivery schedules for 2026,” the document says.
Regarding the operational context in Ukraine, France undertakes to deliver the SAMP/T NG systems as soon as possible, in particular by gradually deploying the modules after their delivery and certification, starting from 2027. By the end of 2026, one GF300 radar station will be deployed in Ukraine as the first component of the SAMP/T NG systems. For the period of production of the aforementioned systems, France undertakes to send two SAMP/T complexes to Ukraine, which are to be returned after the delivery of the purchased new SAMP/T NG.
In addition, five GM400 radars are to be delivered by the end of 2027.
“At the same time, in order to solve the operational task, France and Italy have decided to accelerate the delivery of the agreed number of Aster 30 missiles by October 2026, in line with the commitments made to Eurosam through the USL,” the declaration said.
In addition, France and Italy allow licensed production of Aster 30 missiles in Ukraine by the end of 2026 and with the start of operations as soon as possible.
At the same time, France supports the development of Ukrainian anti-ballistic interceptor missiles, in particular the FREYJA project, by promoting industrial cooperation with French companies and providing expert support from the French Defense Procurement Agency (Direction générale pour l’armement, DGA).
As reported, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed bilateral cooperation, the situation on the front and the military needs of Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron, and also presented the Order of Freedom for assistance and support.
