Zelensky Expected to Finalize Major Defense Deals in France, Including Jets, Missiles and Air-Defense Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected on Monday to sign a series of major defense agreements with France, securing new air-defense capabilities, warplanes and missiles aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s long-term ability to counter Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Zelensky arrived in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as Russia intensifies drone and missile strikes and reports battlefield gains in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region.

“A historic agreement has also been prepared with France – there will be a significant strengthening of our combat aviation, air defense and other defense capabilities,” Zelensky said Sunday in a post on X, confirming the deals would be finalized during his visit.

France has been exploring ways to expand support for Ukraine’s air defenses, despite domestic political and budget pressures that have raised doubts about how far Paris can go. Last month, Macron pledged additional Mirage fighter jets—beyond the initial six promised—and a new batch of Aster 30 missiles for Kyiv’s SAMP/T air-defense systems, produced by MBDA.

But according to two people briefed on the negotiations, Monday’s agreements are expected to go further. They could include a 10-year strategic aviation accord signaling France’s readiness to supply Kyiv with Rafale multi-role fighter jets. Some may be drawn from French military stocks, while most would be delivered over time as part of Ukraine’s plan to expand its fleet to 250 aircraft, including U.S. F-16s and Sweden’s Gripens. Training Ukrainian pilots to operate the advanced jets will require significant time.

The sources also said the package may include additional SAMP/T systems, either from current French inventories or via long-term next-generation procurement, along with anti-drone systems and further missile supplies. How these agreements will be financed remains unclear.

Ahead of Zelensky’s arrival, Macron’s office said France intends to “put French excellence in the arms industry at the service of Ukraine’s defense” and help Kyiv acquire the capabilities needed to counter Russian aggression.

Zelensky is scheduled to meet defense manufacturers, including Dassault, on Monday morning before signing letters of intent and contracts later in the day. A separate forum will convene Ukrainian and French drone-sector companies to coordinate future collaboration.

France, alongside Britain, has also championed the idea of a coalition of around 30 countries prepared to deploy troops or assets in Ukraine or along its western borders once a peace agreement with Russia is reached. The core objective is ensuring Ukraine receives sustained military and economic backing to deter any future Russian attack.