Ukraine displays air defence, drone capabilities to French delegation

Ukraine has demonstrated its frontline air defence capabilities and growing military-industrial potential to a visiting French defence delegation amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote on Telegram that the delegation from the French Ministry of Defence, led by Catherine Vautrin, visited active combat positions of air defence missile units together with the Ukrainian Air Force command, where they were shown the direct impact of Russia’s systematic strikes on critical civilian and energy infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Fedorov, French officials observed Ukrainian troops on duty and reviewed key weapons systems, including French-made SAMP/T air defence systems, Mirage 2000 fighter jets and Mistral systems, as Ukraine seeks to deepen military cooperation with Western partners.

“Russia regularly strikes energy facilities and civilian targets with missiles and drones. No country in the world has faced such constant missile and drone attacks,” Fedorov said, stressing that Ukraine’s battlefield experience is reshaping modern air defence doctrine.

He also underlined Ukraine’s growing role in military innovation, noting that the country is now among the global leaders in drone production and is actively expanding its missile programme in cooperation with Western partners, despite Russia’s continued weapons production under sanctions pressure.

Additionally, Catherine Vautrin personally spoke with Ukrainian servicemen, and Fedorov thanked France for its support, noting that it helps protect Ukraine’s skies every day and save lives.

During her trip to Ukraine, Catherine Vautrin signed a letter of intent with her Ukrainian counterpart to jointly develop and produce advanced defence technologies. 

The agreement focuses on drones and data systems, aiming to combine Ukraine’s innovation-driven battlefield experience with France’s technological expertise to enhance the security capabilities of both countries.

By Jeyhun Aghazada