Ukrainian Air Force Rafale Ordered

France committed to supplying 16 Dassault Rafale fighters to Ukraine, together with licences for Ukrainian production of SCALP cruise missiles and Aster-30 surface-to-air missiles. The commitment builds on a declaration of intent signed in November 2025 that framed the potential acquisition of up to 100 Rafale by 2035. Ukraine is assembling a Western combat fleet centred on the F-16, Mirage 2000-5F and Gripen, and the Rafale would add a heavier multirole platform with deep-strike and long-range air-to-air capability. Delivery timelines were not confirmed, and the aircraft would require sustained French industrial and training support.