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New Delhi: Ukraine has finalized a landmark agreement with France to purchase 100 Dassault Rafale F4 multirole fighter jets over the next decade—one of the largest defense aviation deals in Europe’s recent history. The announcement comes less than a month after Sweden and Ukraine revealed plans to supply Kyiv with 150 Gripen E fighters. With this move, Rafale and Gripen E are set to become the most advanced combat aircraft in Ukraine’s arsenal.
Notably, Rafale jets earned legendary status during India’s Operation Sindoor, where the aircraft delivered decisive blows deep inside Pakistan, destroying terror camps and Chinese-supplied defense systems.
Zelensky: “This Will Be One of the World’s Strongest Air-Defense Systems”
According to The War Zone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the Letter of Intent at the Villacoublay Air Base near Paris—Zelensky’s ninth visit to France since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Standing beside a Rafale aircraft, Zelensky declared:
“This will be the biggest air-defense system—one of the strongest in the world.”
Ahead of the agreement, Zelensky posted on X that he anticipated a “historic deal” to strengthen Ukraine’s fighter aviation and air-defense network.
France and Ukraine to Jointly Develop Interceptor Drones
President Macron confirmed France’s long-term commitment:
“We are planning for 100 Rafale jets. This is crucial for rebuilding Ukraine’s air force.”
Deliveries may continue until 2035. While Ukraine is not yet a participant in Rafale production, both countries have agreed to co-develop advanced interceptor drones, signalling deeper strategic cooperation.
Why Ukraine Needed Rafales Urgently
Before Zelensky’s visit, French Air Force Chief General Fabien Mandon warned senators that Ukraine urgently required advanced air-defense systems. Russia has been targeting Ukraine with an average of 1,700 drones per week, along with ballistic missiles.
Mandon claimed that the European-made SAMP/T systems supplied by France have proven more effective against Russian missiles than U.S.-made Patriot systems. Earlier reports from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) also highlighted that Russia’s evolving ballistic missile tactics have reduced the Patriots’ interception success.
Ukraine already operates French Mirage 2000-5F jets, but the addition of 100 Rafales will significantly elevate its combat capability.
Social Media Buzz
On X, a user claimed that Ukraine had “rejected” American jets.
However, AI assistant Grok clarified:
- Ukraine has not rejected U.S. aircraft
- Kyiv continues to use F-16 jets supplied by the U.S. and allies
- The Rafale deal is additional, not a replacement for American aid
The clarifications quickly went viral, debunking misinformation.
What Makes Rafale a Game-Changer?
Reports highlight Rafale’s unmatched versatility:
- Top Speed: 2,222 km/h
- Combat Range: 3,700+ km
- Payload Capacity: 9,500 kg
- Nuclear-strike capable
- Advanced AESA radar & electronic warfare suite
- Highly agile delta-wing design
- Multirole capability: air superiority + deep strike + reconnaissance
- Air-to-air refueling
A 4.5-generation twin-engine jet, Rafale is considered one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Rafale’s Deadliest Moment: India’s Operation Sindoor
Multiple reports recall that during Operation Sindoor, Indian Rafales destroyed terror camps of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, crippling Pakistan’s military response. Within four days:
- Pakistan’s air-defense network suffered heavy losses
- Chinese-made systems failed to counter Rafale strikes
- Several Pakistani fighter jets were neutralized
The operation left Pakistan stunned—and raised global demand for Indian-style Rafale capability.
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