Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Ukraine Seals Long-Term Defense Pact with France


(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that his nation has arranged to procure 100 Dassault Rafale combat aircraft as part of a newly signed agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Zelenskyy informed reporters that “Ukraine has just placed a historic order for 100 Rafale fighter jets to equip its army” immediately after he and Macron endorsed a declaration of intent, according to a media outlet.

The accord is intended to enhance military collaboration between the two countries, especially concerning Kyiv’s acquisition of advanced defense hardware. The signing ceremony occurred at the Velizy-Villacoublay airbase near Paris.

During a joint press conference in the French capital later that day, Zelenskyy characterized the arrangement as a "historic" pact designed to span 10 years, beginning in 2026.

He also revealed that Ukraine will obtain an unspecified quantity of "very powerful" French radar systems, as well as eight SAMP/T air-defense units, each outfitted with six launchers.

Zelenskyy emphasized that “It is very valuable that France is taking such a step to achieve real, guaranteed security in Europe,” adding that he and Macron held discussions with representatives of defense industries to address “some specific details” regarding future technological cooperation.

In addition, the Ukrainian leader unveiled a separate deal between the state-run railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia and French manufacturer Alstom SA for the acquisition of 55 new electric locomotives, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s logistical capabilities.

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