Key facts
- France will allow Ukraine to produce French-designed AASM bombs, Aster air defense interceptors, and SCALP cruise missiles.
- This marks the first time France has licensed the production of its weapons in Ukraine.
- France will also transfer radar systems and deliver 16 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine.
- Ukraine and nine European partners launched the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition to bolster missile defense capabilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 13, 2026, that France will permit Ukraine to manufacture French-designed weapons, including cruise missiles, glide bombs, and air defense interceptors. This agreement signifies a significant expansion of bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations.
Macron stated that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed on a roadmap to implement the defense cooperation deal, which was initially agreed upon in principle in November. The specific weapons covered by the license include AASM precision-guided air-to-ground bombs, Aster air defense interceptors, and SCALP long-range air-launched cruise missiles. Notably, Britain produces its own variant of the SCALP, known as the Storm Shadow.
In addition to the production license, France committed to transferring radar systems to Ukraine. Kyiv has also placed an order for next-generation SAMP/T air defense systems, with deliveries expected after Ukraine receives older versions of the system and an additional batch of missiles. Macron also indicated that France plans to deliver 16 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, with operations anticipated to commence in Ukrainian airspace by 2028 or 2029.
This development follows a similar move by U.S. President Donald Trump, who granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missiles on July 8. Ukraine has been seeking authorization to manufacture these missiles, which are crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Earlier on July 13, Ukraine, alongside nine European partners, launched the Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition, aimed at enhancing Europe's missile defense capabilities and supporting the development of Ukraine's indigenous Freya air defense system.