Macron says Ukraine will receive first Rafale fighter jets in 2028-2029

Macron says Ukraine will receive first Rafale fighter jets in 2028-2029, outlining a timeline and a package of related capabilities agreed with France. Speaking after the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris on 13 July, French President Emmanuel Macron said Ukraine and France have set a roadmap to implement agreements reached in November. Macron stated the first Rafale aircraft should be flying in Ukrainian skies in 2028-2029, and that additional radars and missiles would also be supplied. He added that Ukraine will receive licences to produce Aster-30 surface-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and AASM guided aerial bombs. The move is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield position as it integrates new systems alongside ongoing defense needs.