(PARIS) – France is preparing to sign a broad defence agreement with Ukraine that is expected to include Rafale fighter jets, advanced long range air defence systems and other equipment aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against continued Russian aggression. French journalists report that the deal is scheduled for confirmation within hours, with officials in both countries signalling that the agreement is already at an advanced stage.
French officials say the package will include Rafale jets along with the associated weapon systems. The agreement is also expected to deliver the SAMP/T long range air defence system, which uses Aster 30 B1 NT missiles. These missiles are designed to intercept ballistic threats at medium range and can reach targets up to around one thousand five hundred kilometres away. Additional equipment is likely to include the GF 300 radar system and new drone platforms.
The Rafale would join a growing list of Western fighter aircraft intended for Ukraine. While Sweden has offered Gripen jets at a later date and several allies have already committed F sixteen aircraft, the Rafale is regarded as one of the most capable fighters currently in production. France already has well established manufacturing capacity for the aircraft, which means production delays are not expected to be an obstacle.
However, Ukrainian pilots will still require several months of training to operate the Rafale. France has already begun preparing pilots, with video footage showing young Ukrainian trainees flying Alpha Jet trainers under French instructors. Training appears to have started well before the deal was publicly discussed, suggesting Paris had long term plans for fighter support.
Ukrainian pilots already familiar with Western systems could transition into Rafale operations more quickly. Some of them have previously trained on Western aircraft such as the Mirage 2000 or light training jets during earlier aviation programmes.
Analysts note that Rafale jets are unlikely to engage Russia’s Su 35 fighters directly. The Russian aircraft carries a powerful radar system and long range missiles, creating an ongoing threat across the front. Instead, Rafale jets are expected to focus on intercepting cruise missiles, drones and other airborne threats. This role is similar to the early mission profile of the first Ukrainian F16.
Ukraine currently relies heavily on Soviet era aircraft such as the MiG 29 and Su 27. These aircraft often release guided bombs from a distance to strike Russian positions across the front lines. Western made munitions are also used, including precision French bombs, though the volumes remain limited.
Some aviation analysts warn that Ukraine’s air force may eventually face logistical challenges due to the increasing variety of aircraft types. The mixture now includes F16s, Mirage 2000s, coming Gripens, existing Soviet aircraft and soon the Rafale. Each type requires specific maintenance, spare parts and trained personnel.
But others argue that the benefits outweigh the challenges. They note that consistent French support, including spare parts and technical assistance, will help Ukraine operate the Rafale effectively. France would become the tenth country to supply these aircraft, a sign of continuing European commitment to Ukraine’s defence.
The addition of Rafale jets is unlikely to change the war on its own. However, it provides Ukraine with another tool to counter Russia’s ongoing attacks. Ukrainian officials say they require more modern aircraft to protect cities and critical infrastructure.
Pressure also continues for reforms in the Ukrainian command structure. Some analysts and military commentators say adjustments are needed to improve decision making and ensure more effective use of Western equipment. They have described this as a “command evolution” rather than a leadership overhaul.
The collapse of Russia’s political system remains a widely discussed scenario in Ukraine. Some commentators say that meaningful territorial recovery will only be possible if the Russian dictatorship weakens or faces internal instability. Until then, Ukraine continues to rely on Western partnerships and new military technology to defend itself.
Ukraine has also begun producing longer range weapons of its own. Newly released footage shows the launch of the Bars Leopard missile, a hybrid cruise missile and drone with a range of around eight hundred kilometres and a payload of up to one hundred kilograms. These domestically developed systems form part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign weapons.
Ukraine is also expanding its range of long range systems, producing platforms such as the Palyanytsia and Lut drones. Several of these have already been used in deep strikes inside Russia.
Questions have been raised by some foreign media outlets about Firepoint, a Ukrainian company involved in drone and missile development. Reports claimed the company grew rapidly and received large contracts, including support from a Danish led European initiative. Critics argued that its Flamingo missile remains at a prototype stage.
However, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau has not released evidence linking Firepoint to wrongdoing. While some individuals associated with political figures have been detained in separate corruption investigations, none of the publicly released evidence so far targets the company directly. NABU has continued to publish detailed updates on other corruption cases in the defence and energy sectors on its official channels.
The agency states that investigations are ongoing and further disclosures are expected. Until then, accusations about Firepoint remain unproven. Ukrainian authorities say they are prepared to publish evidence if wrongdoing is found, but caution that speculation without documentation could damage companies that are playing an important role in the war effort.