Paris: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday signed a letter of intent (LOI) for Ukraine to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, along with advanced air-defense systems.
According to Qatar News Agency, the 10-year agreement lays the groundwork for future contracts that could include additional French defense equipment for Ukraine, the French Presidency reported in a statement. The letter of intent includes around 100 Rafale jets with their full armament, as well as other systems, including the next-generation SAMP/T ground-to-air systems, radar systems, and drones.
This agreement is historic and will significantly enhance Ukraine's combat aviation, air-defense capabilities, and other defense domains, Zelenskyy posted on X on Sunday. The signing marks Zelenskyy's visit to France as part of a tour of several Western countries to secure military support, amid mounting Russian attacks.