Macron Announces Expedited Missile Deliveries and Rafale Fighter Jets for Ukraine

France has agreed to accelerate its support for Ukraine by fast-tracking deliveries of interceptor missiles and providing 16 Rafale fighter jets. The agreement follows a nearly two-hour call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 22, in which they discussed the urgent need for increased military aid.

The centerpiece of France's support is the Aster-30 missile, a sophisticated interceptor designed for the SAMP/T air defense system. Deliveries of these missiles, originally scheduled for October 2026, are now being pushed forward. Additionally, Ukraine will be able to domestically manufacture Aster-30 interceptors through a co-production agreement reached in July 2026.

France has also agreed to provide two additional SAMP/T systems and next-generation SAMP/T-NG systems, with deliveries starting in 2027. The transfer of 16 Rafale fighter jets, expected to begin in the 2028-2029 timeframe, marks a significant escalation of France's involvement in the conflict.