Paris: Ukraine and France have taken a major step toward strengthening Kyiv’s long term defence needs, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and French President Emmanuel Macron announcing plans for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets along with new air defence systems.

During Zelenskiy’s visit to Paris, the two leaders signed a letter of intent that lays the foundation for one of Ukraine’s biggest defence partnerships since the war began. The agreement includes modern warplanes, advanced air defence batteries, drones, bombs and training support.

The French made Rafale jets are expected to be delivered over the next decade. Officials said the aircraft will come from new production lines, underscoring France’s commitment to building Ukraine’s future air force rather than simply

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