(MENAFN) Ukraine intends to acquire up to 100 French-built Rafale fighter aircraft over the next ten years, in addition to other military equipment such as air defense systems, according to statements from the leaders of both nations. Moscow has criticized the prospective arrangement, claiming it could foster corruption.

During Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to Paris on Monday, he and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent for the procurement.

Speaking to a news channel, Macron described the jet deliveries as “needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.” Zelensky referred to the initiative as both a “strategic agreement” and “a historic deal.”

The signed letter represents an initial commitment rather than a binding contract. Macron did not specify a delivery schedule or outline financing details, noting only that he hopes the European Union will assist in acquiring the aircraft.

The announcement coincides with discussions in Brussels over a proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a €140 billion ($162 billion) loan. Russia has denounced the asset freeze as “theft.”

France’s Rafale, the country’s most sophisticated multirole fighter, carries an estimated price exceeding $90 million per unit.

The news channel reports that supplying 100 jets could ultimately amount to roughly €15 billion.

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