Western Aid to Ukraine Escalates Further: France Transfers 'Rafale' Fighter Jets and Missile Production Licenses
On July 13, following the Paris "Will Alliance" conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide Ukraine with Rafale fighter jets and production licenses for French missiles. Macron stated that the first batch of Rafale aircraft is expected to fly over Ukrainian skies between 2028 and 2029. At the same time, Ukraine will receive production rights for the Aster air defense missile system, intended for use in the SAMP/T air defense system. Macron also welcomed the U.S. decision allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptors domestically.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked France for the additional air defense systems and production licenses, calling it a "serious step forward." He also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom and Germany for their ongoing support, noting that new defense agreements are forthcoming.
This announcement follows up on the October 2025 agreement between Ukraine and France for the procurement of 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets. In March 2026, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had already paid a down payment for the first batch of aircraft. Additionally, the France-led "Freya" project aims to develop new anti-ballistic capabilities, with multiple manufacturers set to participate.
Western allies are accelerating long-term arms support to Ukraine by transferring advanced fighter jets, missile technologies, and enabling local production—aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s aerial combat and air defense capabilities in response to the persistent threats posed by Russian missiles and drones.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870637474152460/
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