Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took a major step Monday by signing an agreement with France to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. The memorandum of understanding was co-signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and also includes the SAMP/T air defense system, boosting Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
Macron called it a “great day” on social media, while Zelensky is on his ninth visit to France since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. This deal follows a similar agreement signed in Sweden last month for up to 150 Gripen jets, as Ukraine aims to build an advanced air fleet of at least 250 fighter jets.
Despite the big ambitions, the financing for these multi-billion euro purchases remains unclear.
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