France gives Ukraine missile licenses orders 16 Rafale jets

France will grant Ukraine licenses to produce French-designed cruise missiles, guided bombs, and air defense interceptors on its own soil, President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 13, 2026. The landmark agreement, which includes a confirmed order for 16 Rafale fighter jets to be delivered starting in 2028, represents a significant deepening of bilateral defense cooperation and a strategic shift in Western military support for Kyiv.

Macron made the announcement in Paris following a meeting of approximately 25 world leaders from a coalition of Ukraine's Western backers. He stated that he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had agreed on a roadmap to implement defense cooperation principles first established in November 2025. The licensing agreement covers the production of SCALP long-range cruise missiles, AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs, and Aster 30 interceptor missiles within Ukraine.

This move marks a departure from previous support models based on drawing from existing Western stockpiles. By providing blueprints for domestic production, France aims to enable a more sustainable supply of these critical munitions. The Aster 30 interceptor, which Ukraine has...