Zelenskyy and Macron to sign a major defence deal: Rafale, Mirage aircraft and SAMP/T air defence systems
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will sign with the President of France today Emmanuel Macron a large-scale defence agreement that provides for the transfer of new fighter jets and modern air defence systems to Ukraine. This was reported by Reuters.
According to the agency, the package will be based on 10-year aviation agreement, which covers the supply of fighter aircraft Rafale, new air defence systems SAMP/T, The company also provides air-to-air missiles and training for Ukrainian pilots.
Details of the agreements
Reuters notes that France plans to significantly expand the scope of its military support, in particular:
transfer to Ukraine Mirage 2000 fighters;
put Aster missiles, capable of shooting down ballistic and cruise targets;
transfer additional batteries SAMP/T, are critical to the protection of large cities;
launch a full programme of training for Ukrainian pilots on aircraft Mirage and prepare instructor groups.
Macron stressed that the Paris programme is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's aviation and air defence in the long term.
Additional assistance from the UK
At the same time, London announced the transfer to Ukraine of 5000 new multi-purpose missiles, The newly acquired equipment will enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces in combating both air and ground threats.
British officials call the transfer part of a large-scale package aimed at stabilising Ukraine's defence in the face of growing Russian attacks.
Context.
In recent months, France and the UK have become key partners in the formation of the Ukrainian aviation coalition.
The Zelensky-Macron deal could be the largest European defence agreement with Ukraine after the outbreak of a full-scale war.
For Ukraine, the supply of fighter jets and SAMP/T systems is critical, as Russian attacks on cities and the power grid continue daily, and the need to protect its airspace is only growing.
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