Ukraine is making a massive bet that the French Rafale is the answer to Russia’s most terrifying weapon: the glide bomb. A “historical” 10-year pact with France, signed by President Zelensky in Paris, includes a preliminary deal for 100 of the Dassault-made jets. This move is aimed squarely at countering the Russian bombers that launch these devastating, long-range weapons from the safety of their own airspace.
Russia’s intensified use of glide bombs has flattened Ukrainian defenses and civilian areas, as they are incredibly difficult to intercept. The only viable solution is to shoot down the launching aircraft. The Rafale, a highly advanced 4.5-generation jet with powerful radar and long-range missiles, is being acquired precisely for this dangerous “bomber hunter” mission.
The 10-year pact is a comprehensive air defense solution. While the Rafales provide the “offensive” defense, the deal also includes eight “world-class” SAMP/T ground-based interceptor systems. Zelensky praised these systems as “one of the greatest” for providing a “defensive” shield to protect cities from the missiles and drones that accompany the glide bomb attacks.
The agreement also includes new radars for earlier detection and a plan to co-produce interceptor drones, creating a multi-layered and redundant system. This total package is designed to wrest control of the skies back from Russia.
This high-stakes technological gamble is being funded by European allies, as US aid has been halted. The EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund and a G7 plan to use revenues from frozen Russian assets will provide the long-term funding for this decade-long commitment, as Ukraine seeks to finally neutralize the glide bomb threat.