France commits Rafale jets and cruise missiles to Ukraine in landmark arms deal, with frozen Russian assets footing part of the bill

France just handed Ukraine the keys to some of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe. During a “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris on July 13-14, President Emmanuel Macron formalized a bilateral arms agreement that will deliver 16 Rafale combat aircraft to Ukraine, with plans to scale the fleet to 100 over time.

The package goes well beyond jets. It includes next-generation SAMP/T NG air-defense systems, radars, SCALP cruise missiles, AASM Hammer glide bombs, and Aster 30 interceptors. Ukraine will also get licenses to produce SCALP missiles, AASM bombs, and Aster 30 interceptors domestically.

The money trail matters more than the missiles

The package draws from three sources: French military stocks and production capacity, EU support mechanisms, and revenues generated from frozen Russian sovereign assets.

Operational Rafale flights in Ukrainian airspace aren’t expected until 2028-2029, with pilot training beginning much sooner.

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