Ukraine has signed a letter of intent to acquire up to 100 Rafale multi-role fighter jets from Dassault Aviation.  

The 10-year deal, which was signed on 17 November, also opens the door for Ukraine to procure the SAMP-T air defence system, as well as radars, air-to-air missiles and aerial munitions.  

Regarding the Rafale jet, Ukraine is looking to acquire the F4 ‘4.5-generation’ version of the aircraft, which was first delivered to French forces in 2023. 

The initial version of the Rafale first entered service with the French military in 2004, with its distinctive twin-engine, delta-wing design.  

Egypt, Greece, India, and Qatar have also purchased the Rafale. 

Along with the aircraft, the agreement with Ukraine prioritises the rapid enhancement of the country’s missile defence capabilities through the acquisition of eight next-generation SAMP/T air defence systems, according to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.  

SAMP/T is a long-range ground-based air defence system designed by the Eurosam consortium, a Franco-Italian cooperation involving MBDA and Thales. Commenting on the deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that each system will include six launching systems. 

Initial deliveries for the SAMP/T systems, alongside other equipment such as drones, UAV interceptors, guided munitions, and radars, are anticipated within the next three years.  

Chief of the Defence Staff of France, General Fabien Mandon, previously stated his belief that European-made SAMP/T systems delivered to Ukraine are proving “more effective than US-made Patriot batteries against hard-to-hit Russian missiles”, making them a competitive alternative.  

Sources of funding for the deal are not yet clear; however, it has been widely reported that France will look to leverage EU borrowing mechanisms on Ukraine’s behalf.  

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the agreement as “a new step forward,” confirming French support including production support.  

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy emphasised the deal's strategic nature, stating that it will help to modernise Ukraine’s military and bolster long-term national security.