France–Ukraine defence pact expanded with missiles, joint weapons development Updated

Ukraine and France have expanded the scope of their defence cooperation, revealing new details of a bilateral pact focused on aircraft transfers, air defence systems, long-range weapons, and joint defence innovation.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Telegram that France has begun preparations to transfer Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine. Talks also covered accelerating aviation deliveries and sustaining production at record levels of AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs, Caliber.Az reports. 

Ukraine has additionally expressed interest in acquiring further SAMP/T, Mistral, and Crotale air defence systems, along with associated ammunition. A separate proposal was put forward to jointly modernise the SAMP/T system to improve its effectiveness against ballistic missile threats. Cooperation on the supply and faster production of Aster missiles is already ongoing, according to the minister.

The discussions also addressed the provision of long-range strike capabilities, specifically SCALP cruise missiles, which France has previously supplied to Ukraine.

Beyond equipment transfers, both sides placed particular emphasis on joint projects between Ukrainian and French governments and defence companies. These initiatives include testing advanced security solutions and developing next-generation electronic warfare systems.

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During a visit to Kyiv, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, signed a letter of intent with her Ukrainian counterpart to collaborate on the development and production of advanced defence technologies. 

The agreement focuses on drones and data systems, aiming to combine Ukraine’s innovative capabilities with France’s technological expertise to strengthen both nations’ security, Caliber.Az reports per her post on X.

The trip was made at the invitation of Ukrainian officials and was framed as a demonstration of strengthened bilateral cooperation amid renewed Russian strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, which are occurring during a period of extreme temperatures

Je me suis rendue à Kyiv à l’invitation du ministre de la Défense ukrainien @FedorovMykhailo , pour incarner le renforcement du soutien français à l’Ukraine, qui va entrer dans la 5ème année de guerre.

Le Président @ZelenskyyUa m’a fait part des frappes russes renouvelées contre… pic.twitter.com/w09RIN53R7

— Catherine Vautrin (@CaVautrin) February 8, 2026

During meetings in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed the French minister on the impact of recent attacks on critical infrastructure. Vautrin conveyed France’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and praised their resilience in the face of ongoing aggression. 

In discussions with her Ukrainian counterpart, she reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s immediate operational needs, including air defence, and highlighted France’s contribution through the European €90 billion loan mechanism aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s security.

The visit also emphasised long-term cooperation centered on defence industry and innovation. Accompanied by the director of AMIAD, Vautrin met with representatives of the Brave1 defence innovation cluster and toured a Ukrainian combat drone manufacturing facility. 

French officials indicated that the new Brave1 France–Ukraine initiative would become operational in the near future.

Talks further covered the Coalition of the Willing, future security guarantees for Ukraine following the end of hostilities, and ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace. Vautrin reiterated that France would continue to stand alongside Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli