France has approved a major expansion of its defense cooperation with Ukraine by allowing the local production of several French-designed weapons and confirming a delivery timeline for the first batch of Rafale fighter jets.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision on July 13 following a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris, where leaders discussed continued military support for Ukraine.
Under the new agreement, Ukraine will receive licenses to manufacture Aster-30 air defense interceptor missiles, SCALP long-range cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs on its own territory. France said the move is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s domestic defense industry and reduce dependence on continued deliveries of finished weapons from abroad.
The decision marks the first time France has approved local production of these advanced French-designed systems in Ukraine. Macron said the agreements build on discussions held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and previous understandings reached last year.
Hellbound and Down 