Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Kyiv is engaged in ongoing negotiations with France regarding the potential acquisition of Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jets.
Speaking to reporters, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is conducting “three parallel conversations” on aircraft with Sweden, France, and the United States, as the country seeks to modernize its tactical aviation fleet. “I am conducting three parallel conversations regarding aircraft—with the Swedes, with the French, and with the Americans as well,” he said, according to the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. France has previously agreed to transfer Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, but no decision has been made regarding Rafales. In October 2024, Le Monde reported that officials at the Élysée Palace had discussed transferring Rafales from the French Air and Space Force to Ukraine, a plan that was reportedly blocked by the French defense ministry.The Rafale, produced by Dassault Aviation, remains France’s primary front-line fighter, while the Mirage 2000—an older fourth-generation aircraft—continues to play a role in current French support packages. Zelenskyy announced that an additional batch of Mirage 2000s, along with air defense missiles, will soon be delivered.
“There is a decision regarding additional Mirage fighters for Ukraine and air defense missiles,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address. “Britain will also continue to help us with air defense, including missiles and the production of drone interceptors.”
Ukrainian officials have described the Mirage 2000 as a stopgap measure, helping bridge the capability gap until the country receives F-16s and possibly other Western aircraft in larger numbers.
The Ukrainian Air Force continues to phase out its aging Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, which face increasing maintenance challenges due to limited spare parts and outdated systems.