PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that France will permit Ukraine to manufacture French-made cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, and air defense interceptor missiles, following Ukraine’s orders for advanced Franco-Italian air defense systems and Rafale fighter jets.
Speaking at a news conference after a gathering of roughly 25 world leaders in Paris, Macron described the agreement reached with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “Earlier this afternoon President Zelenskiy and I agreed on a roadmap between our two countries, implementing what had been agreed in principle last November regarding our bilateral defense cooperation,” Macron stated.
The announcement represents a historic first — France has never previously agreed to license military production to Ukraine. The move is intended to help Ukraine boost its weapons stockpiles as Russia continues to escalate its attacks on the country.
The licensed production will focus on three key weapons systems: AASM precision-guided air-to-ground bombs, Aster air defense interceptor missiles, and SCALP long-range air-launched cruise missiles — a weapon that Britain also manufactures.
Macron added that radar systems would also be transferred to Ukraine. He noted that Zelenskiy had placed an order for next-generation SAMP-T air defense systems, which would follow the delivery of an older version of the system along with a batch of missiles.
Additionally, 16 Rafale fighter jets are set to be delivered, with the goal of having them operational over Ukrainian skies by 2028 or 2029, Macron said.
The French president also revealed that Ukraine’s allies have agreed to launch military exercises in countries bordering Ukraine. The drills are part of a broader plan for a multinational force that would be deployed once a ceasefire with Russia is reached.
