New Delhi, Nov 18: Ukraine will receive up to 100 French Rafale F4 fighter jets along with advanced air defence systems under a major defence agreement aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s ability to counter Russian attacks, the BBC reported.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the move as “historic” after signing a letter of intent with French President Emmanuel Macron at an air base near Paris.

Deliveries of the Rafale jets are expected to be completed by 2035, while joint production of interceptor drones will begin this year.

Financial arrangements are yet to be finalised, though France is reportedly exploring EU financing and access to frozen Russian assets — a move that has divided the 27-member bloc.

Zelensky said the agreement would span 10 years, beginning next year, and confirmed

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