Ukraine has secured agreements for the delivery of 150 Swedish Gripen and 100 French Rafale combat aircraft to strengthen its Air Force. The jets will be brand-new, significantly enhancing the country’s defense capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a discussion with students and faculty at the Kyiv Aviation Institute, Ukrinform reported.
One of the government’s priorities is boosting the air component of the Defense Forces, Zelensky said, adding that he remains in constant contact with the Air Force command and military leadership. He said the impact of this work will become evident over time.
“Ukraine has agreements for the delivery of 150 Gripen fighter jets and 100 Rafales. These are, in our view, the best aircraft in the world,” the president said, noting the planes will be brand-new.
Zelensky also noted that Ukraine operates F-16s, though they are not new.
He emphasized that aircraft provided by partners should significantly enhance Ukraine’s air capabilities.
After a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky said Paris will supply Ukraine with additional fighter jets in 2026.
