Zelensky: Ukraine in Talks with France on Rafale Fighter Jets

Ukraine is holding parallel negotiations with France on the supply of modern Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a meeting with journalists, according to Ukrinform.

Discussions are also ongoing with the United States regarding the acquisition of additional F-16 fighter jets.

“I’m holding three parallel discussions on fighter jets – with the Swedes, the French, and the Americans,” the President said, noting that three platforms have been chosen to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation fleet: the F-16, Gripen, and Rafale.

Back in 2021, reports suggested French President Emmanuel Macron planned to offer Ukraine Rafale jets to replace its Soviet-era MiG-29s during his visit to Kyiv. However, no further progress on the matter has been reported since.

The Dassault Rafale is a French 4++ generation multirole fighter jet capable of performing all types of combat missions.

One of the key advantages of the Rafale is its ability to employ the long-range air-to-air Meteor missile, developed by the MBDA consortium.