Kyiv Moves to Boost Air Power With Major French Fighter Jet Deal

Ukraine is preparing for one of its largest air force upgrades since the start of the war, following an announcement from the Élysée Palace that Kyiv intends to purchase as many as 100 French-made fighter jets.

The deal, still under negotiation but confirmed publicly by French officials, would mark a significant deepening of military cooperation between the two countries. Ukrainian leaders have long sought advanced Western aircraft to counter Russia’s dominance in the skies and to replace the country’s aging Soviet-era fleet.

While details of the package are yet to be finalized, officials indicated that the agreement could involve phased deliveries over several years. The jets—anticipated to be modern multirole aircraft capable of air defense, ground support, and precision-strike missions—would substantially enhance Ukraine’s long-term air capabilities.

French leaders cast the announcement as both a strategic partnership and a signal of enduring support for Kyiv’s defense needs. Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, described the potential acquisition as a “historic step” toward modernizing the country’s air force and further integrating Ukraine into Western defense systems.

The move comes as Ukraine continues to push for greater air defense interoperability with NATO members and seeks to strengthen its own production and maintenance infrastructure. Training programs for Ukrainian pilots are expected to accompany the deal, though timelines have not been publicly disclosed.

For Kyiv, the prospective purchase represents not only a military boost but also a political message: that despite ongoing challenges on the battlefield, Ukraine is planning for long-term security—and doing so with strong European backing.

Author: M.J