In a desperate bid to stop the mounting civilian death toll from Russia’s air war, Ukraine has secured a “historical” 10-year defense pact with France. Russia has significantly stepped up its air strikes, using missiles, drones, and glide bombs to terrorize civilian populations and cause rolling blackouts. President Zelensky, who has made protecting his people the top priority, signed the deal in Paris for 100 Rafale jets and other critical air defense systems.
This comprehensive, decade-long agreement is aimed directly at countering the weapons Russia is using to kill civilians. The 100 Dassault-made Rafale jets will give Ukraine the ability to hunt the Russian bombers that launch glide bombs from a distance. The pact also includes eight units of the “world-class” SAMP/T ground-based interceptor system, which Zelensky praised as “one of the greatest” for its ability to shoot down the missiles aimed at Ukrainian cities.
The agreement’s 10-year framework signals a long-term commitment from France to help Ukraine establish an enduring shield for its population centers. The pact also includes new radars for earlier warning of incoming attacks and a plan to co-produce interceptor drones, adding another layer to this new defensive architecture.
This strategic upgrade is being funded by European allies, who have taken on the primary support role as US aid has been halted by the Trump administration. The French presidency confirmed that funding will draw from the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund, while Zelensky announced that Kyiv would also use a G7 mechanism to deploy revenues from frozen Russian assets.
While the Rafale jets will take time to arrive due to training requirements, the acquisition of the SAMP/T systems and other air defenses provides a more immediate tool to save civilian lives. This deal, along with a recent Swedish deal for 150 Saab jets, represents Kyiv’s all-out effort to secure its skies.