British News Agency

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the step as “historic” after signing a letter of intent with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.

Deliveries of the Rafale F4 jets are planned to be completed by 2035, while joint production of offensive drones will begin this year.

Financial details remain unclear, but France reportedly intends to secure European Union (EU) funding and gain access to frozen Russian assets — a controversial move that has divided the 27-member bloc.

At a joint press conference with Macron on Monday, Zelensky said, “This is a strategic agreement that will last for 10 years starting next year.”

He added that Ukraine would also receive “very powerful French radars,” eight air-defense systems, and other advanced weapons.