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Ukraine expects to receive 250 new Gripen and Rafale fighter jets

Ukraine expects to receive 250 new Gripen and Rafale fighter jets

Katerina Melnychenko Deputy Editor-in-Chief

10 February 2026, 10:00

Ukraine expects to receive 250 new Gripen and Rafale fighter jets — Saab_JAS_39_Gripen_at_Kaivopuisto_Air_Show,_June_2017_(altered)_copy JAS 39 Gripen — Wikipedia

Ukraine is betting on a large-scale upgrade of its combat aviation to significantly strengthen the Air Force and the state's defence capabilities.

Ukraine has agreements with international partners to supply 150 new Swedish Gripen fighter jets and 100 French Rafale fighter jets. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with students and teachers at the Kyiv Aviation Institute.

The head of state stressed that strengthening the aviation component of the Defence Forces is one of the key priorities for the country. According to him, he is in constant contact with the Air Force command and military leadership, and the results of this work should already be noticeable in practice.

Zelensky emphasised that he was referring specifically to new aircraft. He called the Gripen and Rafale some of the best combat aircraft in the world and noted that their delivery would significantly expand the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation. At the same time, the President recalled that Ukraine already uses F-16 fighter jets, but these aircraft are not new.

According to the head of state, receiving modern combat aircraft from partners will increase the effectiveness of the Air Force, particularly in air defence and protecting Ukrainian airspace.

Earlier, Zelensky also discussed with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin the issue of strengthening Ukrainian air defence and the supply of Mirage and Rafale aircraft.

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