Ukraine will get up to 100 of France's Rafale F4 fighter jets as well as advanced air defence systems in a major deal to boost Kyiv's ability to protect itself against deadly Russian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move as historic, after signing the letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.
Deliveries of the Rafale F4's are planned to be completed by 2035, while the joint production of interceptor drones is starting this year.
Financial details are yet to be worked out, but reports say France plans to attract EU financing and also access frozen Russian assets - a controversial move that has split the 27-member bloc.
This is a strategic agreement which will last for 10 years starting from the next year, Zelensky said at a joint briefing with Macron on Monday.
Ukraine would also get very strong French radars, eight air defence systems and other advanced weaponry, he added.
Zelensky stressed that using such advanced systems means protecting someone's life... this is very important.
Russia has in recent months increased its drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, targeting energy and rail infrastructure and causing massive blackouts across the country. Dozens of civilians have been killed in the strikes, described by Kyiv and its Western allies as war crimes.
Speaking alongside Zelensky, Macron emphasized the significance of the Rafale deal, stating: We're planning Rafales, 100 Rafales - that's huge. That's what's needed for the regeneration of the Ukrainian military.
As Ukraine looks to strengthen its defense, Zelensky's next steps include seeking further military support during a trip to Spain and solidifying a gas deal with Greece for critical winter energy supplies.
