In a major paradigm shift that moves Kyiv from a defense buyer to a defense builder, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France will grant Ukraine official licenses to domestically manufacture French-designed cruise missiles, precision-guided bombs, and air defense interceptors.
The historic agreement was finalized during a high-profile “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris involving roughly 25 international leaders. The move represents the first time Paris has permitted foreign production of its top-tier missile technologies, following a similar regulatory model recently introduced by the United States.
The Weapons Ukraine Will Build At Home
The bilateral defense roadmap implements agreements made in principle last November, aimed at safeguarding Ukraine’s long-term munitions supply against intensifying aerial strikes. The production licensing covers three critical systems:
- SCALP Long-Range Cruise Missiles: The air-launched, deep-strike weapon (co-produced with the UK, where it is known as Storm Shadow).
- Aster Interceptor Missiles: Anti-ballistic and anti-aircraft missiles used primarily to feed Europe’s advanced SAMP/T air defense batteries.
- AASM Hammer Guided Bombs: Precision-engineered, air-to-ground smart munitions designed to systematically destroy fortified enemy positions.
Advanced Radar Systems and Rafale Jet Timeline
Beyond manufacturing permissions, Macron unveiled a comprehensive long-term plan to modernize Ukraine’s combat aviation and electronic warfare tracking:
“This involves a project to acquire 16 Rafale aircraft and their accompanying weapons systems. The first flights could take place as early as 2028–2029, and personnel training will begin in the coming months.” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France
In the immediate term, France will also cede advanced radar systems and an additional batch of operational interceptor missiles to boost Ukraine’s current air defense umbrella. Concurrently, Kyiv has locked in orders for next-generation SAMP/T air defense batteries to complement older European systems already deployed on the frontlines.
Post-Ceasefire Planning and Multinational Forces
The Paris summit also laid structural groundwork for regional security architectures stretching beyond active hostilities. Macron announced that Ukraine’s allies have agreed to commence joint military exercises in nations bordering Ukraine.
These maneuvers will serve as the operational foundation for a multinational stabilization force intended to deploy inside Ukraine once a formal ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached.
