Russia Slams France’s Warplanes Deal With Ukraine
- France and Ukraine formalized an agreement on Monday, February 17, 2024, for France to supply ukraine with Rafale fighter jets, SAMP/T air defense systems, and other military equipment.
- The agreement, described as a "strategic agreement" and "historic deal" by Zelenskyy, centers around the delivery of French-made Rafale fighter jets.
- Beyond the Rafale jets, the agreement includes the provision of eight next-generation SAMP/T air-defense batteries currently under advancement, AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions, drones, and French-made radars.
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France and Ukraine Sign Deal for Rafale Jets and Air Defense Systems
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Published November 18, 2023, 16:21:27 PST
France and Ukraine formalized an agreement on Monday, February 17, 2024, for France to supply ukraine with Rafale fighter jets, SAMP/T air defense systems, and other military equipment. The deal was signed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Paris, marking a meaningful escalation in Western military aid to Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russia’s invasion.
Details of the Agreement
The agreement, described as a “strategic agreement” and “historic deal” by Zelenskyy, centers around the delivery of French-made Rafale fighter jets. While not a final contract, it represents an initial commitment from France to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities.French President Emmanuel Macron stated the jets are “needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.”
Beyond the Rafale jets, the agreement includes the provision of eight next-generation SAMP/T air-defense batteries currently under advancement, AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions, drones, and French-made radars. France has previously supplied Ukraine with an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000 jets. ukraine has also received F-16 fighter jets from the United States and other allies, though has acknowledged losing at least three of those aircraft.
The Rafale is france’s most advanced multirole jet, estimated to cost over $90 million each. Supplying 100 jets could cost approximately €15 billion (roughly $16.2 billion USD as of November 18, 2023), according to reports from LCI news.
Financing and Delivery
Macron did not specify a delivery timeline or detail the financing mechanism for the Rafale jets. He indicated he hopes the European Union will contribute to the procurement costs. This comes amid ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding a plan to utilize frozen Russian assets – estimated at €140 billion ($152 billion USD as of November 18, 2023) – to provide financial assistance to Ukraine, as reported by Reuters. Moscow has strongly condemned the asset freeze, labeling it as “theft.”
Russian Response
The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from Russia. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former president, warned that France and its EU partners are taking significant risks by supporting Zelenskyy, suggesting potential future accusations of ignorance if wrongdoing is discovered. He questioned the transparency of the deal on his X account,implying potential corruption surrounding the Rafale jets.
Moscow has consistently criticized Western arms shipments to Ukraine, arguing that they prolong the conflict without fundamentally altering the outcome. This stance was reiterated by Russian officials following the declaration of the French agreement.
Context and Implications
This agreement represents a deepening of military cooperation between France and Ukraine. The provision of advanced fighter jets and air defense systems is intended to significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace and counter russian military operations. The SAMP/T system,in particular,is a long-range,high-altitude air defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles and aircraft.
The reliance on potentially frozen Russian assets for funding highlights the complex geopolitical and financial challenges surrounding the provision of aid to Ukraine. The legal and ethical implications of utilizing seized assets remain a subject of debate within the EU and internationally.