Ukraine has executed a massive pivot away from reliance on the United States, turning instead to European suppliers to build its future military. This shift is highlighted by two recent, massive deals: a letter of intent with Sweden for 150 Saab jets, and now a “historical” 10-year pact with France for 100 Rafale jets. This move was necessitated by the Trump administration’s halt of US support, forcing Kyiv to find more reliable long-term partners.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who signed the French deal in Paris, is now the architect of a new, European-based security structure. The 10-year French pact is a comprehensive security guarantee, also including eight “world-class” SAMP/T air defense systems, radars, and drones, all sourced from a European partner.
The financing for this new procurement strategy is also entirely European. The French presidency confirmed that the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund would be tapped. Furthermore, Zelensky announced that Kyiv would use a G7 mechanism to deploy future revenues from frozen Russian assets, demonstrating that Europe is now shouldering the full financial burden.
This new European-supplied arsenal is desperately needed to counter Russia’s brutal air war. Moscow’s intensified strikes with missiles and glide bombs have made air defense Kyiv’s top priority. The combination of French Rafales, Swedish Saabs, and European air defense systems will provide the robust shield Ukraine needs.
While Ukraine is still receiving some F-16s from a previous NATO arrangement, the future of its air force is now clearly French and Swedish. The 10-year pact with France cements this new reality, creating a deep industrial and military alliance with Paris that is independent of Washington.
