During an official visit to France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, signed an Intent Declaration on cooperation between the two countries in terms of defense equipment.
The Declaration pertains to air defense incorporating fighter aircraft, missiles, radar, and air munition.
The involvement of the Ukrainian industry is expected along with the commencement of joint initiatives for the development of new weapon systems, particularly in the sector of remote piloting systems, where Ukraine has amassed significant experience.
President Macron underscored that the Franco-Ukrainian cooperation will span various time schedules and the agreement will remain operational until 2035, regardless of the evolution of current and future occurences that may take place.
Based on this agreement, Ukraine would be able to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter-bombers produced by Dassault Aviation, including corresponding armament provisions.
Additionally, the Declaration entails potential new purchases of eight SAMP/T NG air and missile defense systems by Eurosam, as well as Thales’ surveillance and discovery radar and air-to-surface armament.
This is an Intent Declaration; now, practical issues such as acquisition of resources by Ukraine, funding and relevant coverage that Paris Government can provide, and the production rate that Dassault Aviation, whose Rafale assembly lines in France are already saturated awaiting the start of the production line in India, will need to be addressed.
Photo credit @Dassault Aviation
