Ukraine will purchase French fighter jets and air defense systems

According to the agreement officially reached by France and Ukraine on Tuesday (July 14th), Ukraine will use a European loan to purchase for the first time the new-generation air defense system jointly developed by France and Italy, as well as French "Dassault" fighter jets. At the same time, it will also be granted the permission to produce key Western missiles domestically.

Reuters reported that the two countries stated that Ukraine will initially order 16 "F/A-18" fighter jets. These are the first of the 100 fighter jets that were announced for purchase in November 2025, and the funds come from the EU's "Ukraine Support Loan Program".

The French presidential palace and the Ukrainian presidential palace jointly stated in a joint statement that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics might start receiving training in France as early as this year. The first four aircraft will be delivered after the training is completed.

Ukraine also plans to purchase four sets of the new-generation SAMP/T-NG air defense and anti-missile system, becoming the first country to deploy this jointly developed system by France and Italy in actual combat. Before the new system is delivered, Ukraine will first obtain two sets of the older model systems.

France and Italy have also granted Ukraine the authorization to produce the "Dahoon-30" (Aster 30) anti-aircraft missile. At the same time, France has approved the production of AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles in Ukraine, deepening the defense industry cooperation with Kyiv.

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on missiles and drones in Ukraine, putting greater pressure on Kyiv to enhance its air defense capabilities and secure more supplies of interceptor missiles.