By Abida Kahlun,
Bureau Chief, Helsinki,
Snn News Finland
France and Ukraine have signed a joint agreement to expand Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities, including new radar systems and next-generation SAMP/T air-defence batteries, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. The deal builds on a defence roadmap the two leaders first outlined in November 2025.
France-Ukraine Air-Defence Agreement Covers Radar and SAMP/T Systems
Under the agreement, France will supply Ukraine with additional radar systems and SAMP/T NG air and anti-ballistic missile defence batteries.
According to the joint declaration, one Kronos radar is included in near-term delivery schedules, and Paris has committed to speed up SAMP/T NG shipments given the situation on the ground in Ukraine.
The declaration also opens the door to licensed production inside Ukraine of missiles for the SAMP/T systems, alongside SCALP cruise missiles and Aster 30 interceptors the missile that arms SAMP/T batteries.
What Else Is Included in the Deal
The air-defence package sits alongside a separate track on combat aviation. Ukraine has placed an initial order for 16 Rafale fighter jets, part of a wider plan for up to 100 aircraft. Funding is expected to come through the 2026 and 2027 tranches of the Ukraine Support Loan and other financing sources.
The first four Rafales are due once Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews finish training, which could start in France later this year.
Why the Air-Defence Systems Matter Now
Ukraine has said it needs roughly 25 SAMP/T-type systems to shield the whole country from Russian ballistic missiles, which strike population centres on a near-weekly basis.
The newer SAMP/T NG variant carries upgraded radar and guidance and has a better chance of intercepting ballistic targets than earlier versions. France and Italy have each already sent Ukraine at least one system.
Separately, Zelensky has said Ukraine expects to receive one SAMP/T system and additional air-defence radars from France this autumn, with a further system to follow depending on production capacity part of a total of four SAMP/T batteries Ukraine expects from France, including SAMP/T NG models.
A shortage of Aster 30 missiles for the systems remains an outstanding problem, and both sides plan further agreements on missile production financed through a European loan.
Key Facts
- France and Ukraine signed a joint declaration expanding air-defence cooperation, including radar systems and SAMP/T NG batteries.
- The deal permits licensed Ukrainian production of Aster 30 interceptors, SCALP cruise missiles and AASM guided bombs.
- Ukraine has ordered an initial 16 Rafale fighter jets, part of a planned 100-aircraft package.
- Ukraine expects a total of four SAMP/T batteries from France; a shortage of Aster 30 missiles remains unresolved.
- Nine nations, including France, are separately backing the Freyja anti-ballistic air-defence coalition.
- Air-Defence
FAQs:
What did France and Ukraine agree to?
A roadmap for France to supply Ukraine with radar systems and SAMP/T NG air-defence batteries, plus licensed Ukrainian production of related missiles.
What is a SAMP/T system?
A French-Italian air and missile-defence system that can intercept aircraft, drones and, in its newer NG version, ballistic missiles.
How many SAMP/T systems will Ukraine get?
Ukraine expects four batteries from France in total, including next-generation NG models, according to President Zelensky.
Is this connected to the Rafale jet deal?
Yes it’s part of the same broader defence roadmap that includes Ukraine’s order for 16 Rafale fighter jets.
What’s still missing from the deal?
A shortage of Aster 30 interceptor missiles for the SAMP/T systems remains unresolved, with further production agreements expected in the coming months.
Broader Coalition Involvement
Nine countries including France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Norway have joined Ukraine in a separate coalition to build an anti-ballistic air-defence system known as Freyja, centred on an interceptor from Ukrainian firm Fire Point, according to a joint statement from the group.
Ukrinform France approves Rafale jets, advanced air defenses, and missile production for Ukraine
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