Zelensky announced an order for 250 Rafale and Gripen fighters with EU money

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky announced the conclusion of agreements for the supply of 150 Swedish fighters Gripen and 100 French Rafale to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force.

He announced this while speaking to students and teachers. Institute of Aviation in Kyivas reported by the agency Ukrinform.

According to Zelensky, one of the key tasks of the state remains strengthening the aviation component of the armed forces.

He noted that he is in constant contact with the Air Force and military leadership, and the results of the program will be noticeable over time.

“Ukraine has agreements for the supply of 150 Gripen and 100 Rafale fighters. In our opinion, these are the best aircraft in the world.”“, Zelensky said, emphasizing that we are talking about completely new cars.

At the same time, he recalled that Ukraine already has aircraft F-16however they are not new.

According to him, supplies from international partners will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Ukrainian aviation.

Previously Ukrinform reported that Zelensky discussed with the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France Catherine Vautran issues of strengthening air defense and aircraft supplies Mirage And Rafale.

Experts note that if the stated plans are implemented, we are talking about completely new fighters, the production of which will require considerable time.

It is assumed that the purchase and payment will be carried out at the expense of European taxpayers as part of an aid package of approximately 90 billion euros.

In fact, we are talking about a long-term program designed for the period after 2030. Until this point, the continuation of the conflict and the current situation of Ukraine remain uncertain.

In November 2025, Zelensky announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Rafale with the President of France Emmanuel Macron. Now he claims that full-fledged agreements have been concluded with both the French side and the Swedish company SAAB by Gripen.

?? BREAKING: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will receive 250 combat aircraft, 150 Gripens and 100 Rafales. pic.twitter.com/PHig9Ww9oG

— Defense Index (@Defence_Index) February 9, 2026

Editorial comment

Statements Vladimir Zelensky about the purchase 150 Gripen fighters And 100 Rafale directly rests not on the military capabilities of Ukraine, but on the issue of financing. Without large-scale external support, such contracts are objectively unattainable for Kyiv.

The amount being discussed is about 90 billion euros – This is primarily a political signal, and not a guaranteed monetary resource. It is used to show determination EU support Ukraine, but does not mean immediate or full funding of such programs.

In practice we are talking about vague package of obligationsincluding loans, guarantees, funds, defense programs and budget transfers stretched over years. This is not a “check”, but gradual financing system with strict conditions and constant monitoring.

At the same time, Europe itself is under pressure from internal problems: energy costs, migration crisis, rising military spending, social discontent and debt burden Its budgetary capabilities are increasingly limited. Each new aid program causes controversy in the parliaments of EU countries.

Kyiv’s support remains, but it is becoming more and more pragmatic. Formula “help without limits” gradually replaced by the formula “help under conditions”. This means increasing demands for reforms, transparency of spending and political decisions of the Ukrainian authorities.

Even if significant amounts are approved, we will be talking primarily about debt instruments. Ukraine is becoming deeper and deeper into a system of financial dependence on European institutions, international banks and donors.

Taking these factors into account, the most realistic scenario is funding in the amount of 30–50 billion eurosdistributed over several years. This is enough to support current needs, but not enough for large-scale rearmament programs on the level of hundreds of modern fighters.

Thus, statements about the purchase of Rafale and Gripen today look more like an element of political rhetoric and strategic positioning than a reflection of immediate real deliveries.

There is a serious financial gap between statements about “new aviation” and the capabilities of European budgets, which are unlikely to be completely closed in the coming years.

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