France is taking a decisive leadership role in Europe’s support for Ukraine, committing to a “historical” 10-year defense pact that includes 100 Rafale jets and advanced air defense systems. This agreement, signed by President Zelensky in Paris, positions France as a primary security guarantor for Kyiv. It comes at a critical time when European allies are filling the void left by the Trump administration’s halt of US support.
This French commitment is a cornerstone of a new European security architecture. It follows a letter of intent from Sweden for 150 Saab jets, demonstrating that Europe’s industrial powers are stepping up to provide the high-end conventional military hardware Ukraine needs to survive the long-term conflict with Russia, now in its fourth year.
The 10-year pact is comprehensive. Beyond the 100 Dassault-made jets, it includes eight SAMP/T air defense systems, which Zelensky praised as “one of the greatest” in the world. It also includes radars, drones, and, crucially, a plan for joint Franco-Ukrainian production of interceptor drones, deeply integrating the two nations’ defense industries.
The deal is a direct response to Russia’s intensified air war, which has killed civilians and crippled Ukraine’s energy grid. President Zelensky’s primary plea has been for air defense, and this massive, long-term commitment from Paris is the most significant answer to date.
Financing for the pact will be drawn from European-led sources. The French presidency confirmed the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund will be used, and Zelensky announced that Kyiv would also deploy funds from a G7 mechanism that leverages future revenues from immobilized Russian assets, cementing a “Europe-first” approach to funding.
24