Ukraine to Receive 16 Rafale Jets, Rights to Produce French Missiles; New Ballistic Defense Coalition Formed
At a Paris meeting, Ukraine and nine European countries agreed to form an integrated ballistic missile defense coalition, while France pledged 16 Rafale fighters and licenses for local production of French weapons.
New Defense Coalition
Ukraine and nine European countries—Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom—have agreed to establish an integrated ballistic missile defense coalition centered on Ukraine's "Freyja" project. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the system is intended not to replace existing defenses but to complement them, creating a strong shield over all of Europe.
According to Zelensky, the system could become operational within 12 months. It will combine technologies from various European defense companies: Ukraine will provide the FP-7X interceptor missile developed by the company "Fire Point," while partners will supply radars, target identification, data transmission, and command systems. A memorandum of cooperation has already been signed with Germany's "Hensoldt" to provide the TRML-4D radar.
Bilateral French Assistance
French President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant expansion of bilateral military cooperation. Ukraine has ordered advanced SAMP/T air defense systems and 16 French-made Rafale fighters, with deliveries expected by 2028–2029.
For the first time, France has agreed to grant Ukraine licenses to produce French weapons, including Aster interceptor missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and SCALP long-range cruise missiles. Additional radars will also be provided.
Urgent Needs and Warnings
Zelensky called on partners to supply 300 Patriot interceptor missiles for the upcoming winter, estimating that Ukraine needs about 100 such missiles per month to protect cities and energy infrastructure. The US has agreed in principle to license Patriot production in Ukraine, but technical and industrial conditions remain to be negotiated, a process that could take over a year.
Russian Response
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin threatened intensified strikes in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, vowing that strikes would be "several times more powerful." Ukrainian attacks have already caused fuel shortages in some Russian regions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov labeled coalition members "war mongers" and claimed that European countries are deluded in hoping for Russia's strategic defeat.
