
AI-generated summary
France continues to expand military assistance to Ukraine, and the two sides reached a cooperation roadmap in July, including the purchase of 16 Rafale fighter jets and supporting weapons systems. Ukraine has previously acquired F-16, Mirage 2000 and Swedish Griffin fighter jets, and is building up its air combat capabilities with multiple types of Western fighter jets.
"Rafale" multi-purpose fighter. (Picture taken from Dassault Aviation)
[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Taipei Report] France continues to expand military assistance to Ukraine. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin recently announced in Congress that it will start training Ukrainian pilots to operate "Rafale" fighter jets from November to prepare for the future delivery of fighter jets. According to the plans of both France and Ukraine, the first batch of "Straw" fighter jets are expected to be put into service in Ukraine from 2028 to 2029, further strengthening the Ukrainian army's air combat capabilities.
The military news website "Defense Blog" reported that Waterland said at the French Parliament's 2027 defense budget hearing that France is continuing to discuss combat aviation cooperation with Ukraine, especially plans related to the "Strong" fighter aircraft. The first batch of Ukrainian pilots will start training in November. Ukrainian President Zelensky also confirmed on Telegram that he has discussed relevant arrangements with French President Macron and believes that this is an important progress in the modernization of the Ukrainian Air Force.
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France and Ukraine reached a cooperation roadmap in July this year, which includes the purchase of 16 "Strength" fighter jets and supporting weapons systems. Macron pointed out at the time that the first batch of fighter jets was expected to arrive in Ukraine in 2028 or 2029. On the other hand, Ukraine also signed a letter of intent in November last year, proposing a long-term plan to purchase up to 100 "Bifeng" aircraft.
At present, Ukraine has obtained F-16 fighter jets from many European countries, and France has also provided "Mirage 2000" (Mirage 2000). In addition, Ukraine agreed in May this year to purchase 20 new Swedish "Gripen" fighter jets, and Sweden will donate 16 older aircraft, showing that the Ukrainian military is gradually building up an air combat capability composed of multiple types of Western fighter jets.
Developed by France's Dassault Aviation, the "Storm" can carry MBDA "Meteor" long-range air-to-air missiles and is equipped with Thales advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. Among them, the F4.1 upgrade standard has been certified in March 2023, further improving the fighter's sensing and electronic combat capabilities.
In addition to fighter aircraft procurement, France and Ukraine are also actively promoting local production of weapons. Zelensky said that the two countries are discussing the production of legal missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine, while Waterland confirmed that the production authorization process for relevant missiles has begun.
According to the July agreement, Ukraine will also purchase the first batch of SAMP/T NG new generation air defense systems, and obtain local production authorization for AASM Hammer precision bomb kits, "Aster 30" air defense missiles, and SCALP/Storm Shadow "Storm Shadow" air-launched cruise missiles.
Ukraine currently uses older SAMP/T air defense systems and AASM "Hammer" precision bombs. If local production capabilities can be established in the future, it will help reduce dependence on overseas delivery and strengthen long-term combat supply capabilities.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine's first batch of Rafale fighter jets will be delivered and put into service from 2028 to 2029
Likely · Within years
France will further negotiate with Ukraine to locally produce SAMP/T NG air defense systems and AASM Hammer precision bombs
Possible · Within years

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