Dassault Rafale
France and the United Kingdom held joint nuclear exercises for the first time, without using weapons. The drills strengthened coordination in the face of the threat posed by russia.
France will launch the first training courses for Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets in November. This was announced by Minister Catherine Vautrin.
Zelenskyy reported on preparations for Ukrainian pilots to train on Rafale aircraft in France. Kyiv and Paris are preparing a new defense package.
France is training the first Ukrainian pilots for Rafale jets, which it may transfer to Ukraine. The first four aircraft are expected after the completion of training.
France is adapting AASM HAMMER bombs for Ukrainian Gripens, of which at least 32 are expected. This will expand the number of platforms capable of carrying the munitions.
After the failure of the FCAS project, Paris offered Stockholm cooperation in developing a new fighter jet and manufacturing engines. There is currently no official agreement.
President Zelensky stated that Ukrainian pilots are training in Sweden, and soon "Gripens" will appear in the sky. Work with France on the supply of "Rafale" fighters is ongoing.
Ukraine should start searching for a replacement for Saab 340 AEW aircraft, which can serve until 2030. Poland is already negotiating the purchase of successors.
Ukraine will be the first to receive new enhanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France will also provide two SAMP/T complexes to strengthen defense this year.
Macron announced the transfer of Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine in 2028-2029. Ukraine also received licenses to produce SCALP missiles, Aster-30, and AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs.
Negotiations on the purchase of 114 Rafale fighters have reached a deadlock due to disagreements over weapon integration conditions. The delay benefits Ukraine by shortening the queue.
Greece may transfer 43 Mirage aircraft to Ukraine in exchange for Rafale. The issue will be discussed during Macron's visit on April 24-25 to enhance Ukraine's security.
Aircraft from six Alliance countries took to the air to intercept a group of Russian bombers. The Russian Ministry of Defense called the four-hour flight a planned one.
Macron and Tusk agreed on cooperation in nuclear deterrence and strengthening border protection. Poland will join the group of European allies.
Paris is trying to negotiate with Athens on the supply of fighter jets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Greece is currently refusing due to the need to maintain its own defense.
India demands full access to Rafale software for weapon integration. France refuses due to risks of technology leakage to Russia.
Paris is preparing for a possible conflict with Russia by 2030. Priorities will include cheap anti-drone measures and strengthening air defense.
The leaders of France and Germany will hold talks on the future of the FCAS combat system. The project is under threat due to disputes between Dassault and Airbus.
Two Greek F-16 fighter jets based in Cyprus were scrambled after a drone was detected near Lebanese airspace. The airspace over Larnaca airport was temporarily closed.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the redeployment of the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Additionally, Rafale fighters and air defense systems have been sent to the Middle East.
French President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-day visit to India, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main topics of discussion are cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and a potential contract for the supply of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend a summit on the impact of artificial intelligence in India this week. He will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen ties between the countries.
Spanish company Indra has upgraded the Meteor missile for Ukraine, improving its data transmission system and resistance to electronic warfare. This will enhance the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, which expects the missiles in 2026 along with Gripen C/D fighters.
Vietnam has begun diversifying its arms purchases, moving away from Russian defense technologies in favor of Western standards. The country is negotiating with France for Rafale fighter jets and modernizing its army with the help of Israel and South Korea.
President Zelenskyy announced agreements on the supply of 50 Gripen and 100 Rafale aircraft. Ukraine plans to develop its military aviation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin the strengthening of air defense and the supply of modern fighter jets. The meeting focused on bolstering the energy system and expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
France and Great Britain are preparing a new modification of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, based on the successful experience of their use in Ukraine. The development of the Mk2 version will begin in 2026, focusing on improving guidance systems.
The French Air and Space Force conducted exercises simulating an offensive operation against a high-tech adversary. A key element was the launch of SCALP cruise missiles from Rafale fighters in a scenario close to combat operations with Russia.
The FCAS fifth-generation fighter jet program between France, Germany, and Spain has fallen into a deep crisis due to strategic disagreements. The project's implementation is now "very unlikely," and a decision on it will likely be postponed until 2026.
President Zelenskyy met with Eric Trappier, President of Dassault Aviation. They discussed the localization of military aircraft production, particularly Rafale fighter jets, in Ukraine.