Ukraine has purchased 16 Rafale fighter jets from France, with pilot training starting “as early as 2026,” Ukraine’s Presidential Office said on Tuesday.
The office made the announcement in a joint declaration with France on Tuesday, which also mentioned the purchase of SAMP/T NG air defense systems and licensed production of Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles in Ukraine.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
The office said the Rafale jets – out of 100 planned – are being purchased under an agreement signed in November 2025, to be funded by the EU’s €90 billion ($103 billion) Ukraine Support Loan budgeted for 2026-27 and via “any other sources of financing.”
The jets will come with an unspecified quantity of armaments, with deliveries expected as soon as Ukrainian pilots complete their training, which is due to start “as early as 2026.”
“Air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, including Air-to-Surface Modular Weapons (AASM) bombs, laser-guided anti-drone missiles, and MICA and METEOR missiles, will be delivered in line with the operational deployment of the aircraft,” the statement says.
“Each Rafale aircraft will be equipped with weapons in a volume corresponding to the quantity agreed upon during consultations between the bilateral technical groups,” it adds.
The Rafale jets are considered 4.5-generation aircraft and form the backbone of France’s air force.
The jets are also expected to form the backbone of Ukraine’s planned postwar air force, alongside older Western aircraft already in service, including US-made F-16s and French Mirage fighters, as well as the latest-generation Gripen E fighters purchased in June 2026.
Ukraine and Europe Launch FREYJA Anti-Ballistic Shield: ‘Ballistic Missiles Are Putin’s Final Bet’
Additionally, Ukraine is set to receive 16 older Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden, with the first deliveries expected in early 2027.
Read more about the Rafale’s characteristics and performance in this in-depth Kyiv Post analysis penned by a former F-16 instructor.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
Ukraine’s Operation ‘Auchan’ Halts Enemy Offensive for 6 Months
