Ukraine has signed a Letter of Intent with France to acquire 100 Rafale fighter aircraft in the next 10 years. French Presidential Palace gave this information. Ukrainian President Volodymyr zelensky On tour to France. He talked to French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia has recently increased drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. With this, we have made ground gains in Zaporizhia.

Rafale jets will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capability. Macron said that this deal is not limited to just jets. This also includes air defense systems, bombs and drones. These aircraft will not be sold from the existing stock of France, they will be supplied from the new manufacturing unit. Macron said that 100 Rafale jets are necessary for the Ukrainian army to stand up again.

What is letter of intent?

Letter of Intent is a political agreement, which expresses willingness to purchase. The actual purchase will happen later. There is a plan to fund this purchase with Russia’s money and assets deposited in Europe. However, this plan has not yet been approved by the European Union (EU).

Zelensky also held meetings with French arms companies including Dassault. To fly Rafale jets, pilots will have to undergo long and difficult training. France has already promised to provide Mirage jets and Aster 30 missiles.

Preparation to form an alliance of 30 countries

France and Britain are trying to form a coalition of about 30 countries, which could send troops and military resources to Ukraine or its western border areas after a peace deal with Russia. Its objective is to provide long-term military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Also, his army could stop any Russian attack in future.