▲ French Rafale Fighter Jet
Ukraine has decided to purchase 100 French Rafale fighter jets to enhance its defense capabilities.
On the 17th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a memorandum of understanding at the Villacoublay Air Base near Paris.
Under the agreement, Ukraine will acquire 100 Rafale multi-role fighter jets and their weapon systems developed by the French defense company Dassault over the next 10 years.
This is the first time Ukraine has decided to purchase Rafale fighter jets.
Earlier this year, Ukraine received the Mirage 2000, a predecessor generation fighter jet from Dassault.
The two leaders also agreed to launch a local co-production project to immediately secure drones, drone interceptors, and guided bombs needed to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Additionally, there are plans to deploy France’s newly developed air defense system, “SAMP-T,” on Ukrainian territory starting next year.
The two countries also signed an agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s railway network.
As a result, the French rail company Alstom will supply 55 locomotives to the Ukrainian Railways in the future.
This contract is valued at approximately 475 million euros.
At a joint press conference held at the Élysée Palace after the signing ceremony, President Macron stated, “We will continue to support the modernization of Ukraine and its military, as well as deterrence against aggression,” and added, “Rebuilding the Ukrainian military is a commitment to the security of us all.”
President Zelensky emphasized, “Today’s agreement significantly strengthens our defense capabilities, which is not just a defense issue but a matter of existence,” and added, “We will enhance our technical and industrial potential together with France.”
During the conference, President Macron also mentioned Ukraine’s legitimacy for European Union (EU) membership and urged necessary reforms to be implemented.
He stressed, “Ukraine is a member of the European family not only due to its geographical location but also in terms of values, history, and courage,” but added, “The path to EU membership will not be easy. Significant efforts and reforms will be required, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, transparency, governance, and combating corruption.”
His remarks were made with the recent corruption scandal involving a state-owned energy company in Ukraine in mind.
In this scandal, a close associate of President Zelensky was identified as the mastermind.
President Macron stated, “I believe that the Ukrainian people have the determination to achieve this, and I am confident that President Zelensky will succeed,” adding, “A strong, democratic, and EU-integrated Ukraine will make Europe stronger, and France will steadily accompany this process.”
When asked by reporters if France would continue to support Ukraine even if there is a change in government after the 2027 elections, President Macron responded, “It’s important to focus on living each day,” and expressed his hope that peace would be achieved before 2027.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)