Zelensky: Ukraine to receive new air defense radars from France this autumn

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists on Sunday, August 23, that following a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine will receive new radars for its air defense systems from France this autumn. He was quoted by Interfax-Ukraine, as reported by Yevropeiska Pravda.

Zelensky said that during the previous day's call with Macron, the two leaders discussed various issues, from negotiations to the SAMP/T systems. According to him, Ukraine expects to receive new air defense radars this autumn, along with one SAMP/T system also due to arrive in the fall, while delivery of an additional system depends on production capacity.

Missile production bottleneck

Zelensky explained that the main issue with the SAMP/T systems is the limited production of Aster 30 interceptor missiles, a problem similar to that faced by the US Patriot systems. He said Aster missiles are produced in insufficient quantities, though Ukraine has a significant contract in place that will be financed through a European loan. In September, Ukraine plans to sign additional agreements for the production of more Aster missiles, which Zelensky called very important, adding that payments will be possible once European funding arrives.

The president also expressed hope that this year Ukraine would formally obtain licenses to produce three types of French weapons domestically, thanking Macron and France for their willingness to cooperate closely in this area.

Zelensky recalled that on Saturday he and Macron held a conversation lasting almost two hours. Macron, for his part, told the Ukrainian president by phone that France would strengthen its support and send interceptor missiles.