President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is negotiating with France to acquire Dassault Rafale fighter jets as part of a broader plan to modernize its Air Force. The initiative aligns with Kyiv’s strategy to build a NATO-standard fleet centered on Rafale, Gripen, and F-16 aircraft.
On 28 October, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is holding “three parallel discussions” with Sweden, France, and the United States to restructure its Air Force around Gripen, Rafale, and F-16 platforms. Reported by Ukrinform, the statement follows announcements on Gripen localization and additional Western fighter deliveries, emphasizing Kyiv’s efforts to counter Russian airpower with interoperable Western fleets. The move is strategically significant, linking combat aviation renewal with air defense, long-range strike, and industrial resilience.
The Rafale, designed by Dassault Aviation, is a French twin-engine multirole fighter capable of air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. It features an AESA radar, the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, networked data-links, and compatibility with weapons such as Meteor and SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow, enabling rapid integration with Ukrainian systems and precision deep-strike missions.
Zelenskyy highlighted that Rafale would complement existing Gripen and F-16 aircraft. Gripen offers low-maintenance, quick-training capabilities for dispersed air defense operations, while F-16s provide NATO interoperability and a broad training infrastructure. Rafale adds high-end electronic warfare, twin-engine survivability, and seamless integration with existing munitions, forming a premium component of Ukraine’s layered fighter fleet.
Strategically, Rafale discussions deepen the Franco-Ukrainian defense partnership and enhance Europe’s role in sustaining Kyiv. A tri-platform NATO-compatible fleet improves target engagement speed, complicates Russian air and logistics operations, and strengthens long-term air superiority.
Ukraine has already received F-16s from the Netherlands and Mirage 2000s from France and is preparing for Gripen deliveries. The Rafale would serve as the high-end, multi-role pillar in a resilient, interoperable, and NATO-standard fighter fleet.
