President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed in Kyiv that Ukraine is pursuing a three-platform fighter strategy built around the F-16, Gripen E/F, and Rafale.

The plan is part of Ukraine’s long-term effort to field roughly 250 modern combat aircraft to replace wartime losses and standardize with NATO systems.

France Enters the Conversation

Zelensky said discussions with France were proceeding alongside talks with Sweden and the United States.

Contacted by Le Journal du Dimanche, sources close to Dassault Aviation confirmed that exchanges with Kyiv are under way and that the manufacturer is “ready” to deliver Rafales if formally requested.

Gripen and F-16 Integration

At the same press event, Zelensky praised Sweden’s Gripen E/F for its cost efficiency and rapid integration timeline, estimating six months of pilot training versus 18 months for the F-16.

He described Gripen’s short-runway capability and compatibility with Western weapons as key advantages, adding that Sweden agreed to localize parts of Gripen operations in Ukraine.

Mirage Deliveries Continue

Paris has so far prioritized transfers of Mirage 2000-5F fighters withdrawn from the French Air and Space Force.

On October 24, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional Mirage 2000-5F package and Aster surface-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s SAMP/T systems.

Medium-Term Rafale Prospects

French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu previously ruled out transferring used Rafales, citing production constraints and the need to sustain France’s own fleet.

Any future Rafale sale would depend on export line availability and Ukraine’s capacity to manage training, logistics, and maintenance across multiple aircraft types.