France and Ukraine have opened a new era of joint arms production. Kyiv and Paris have signed documents confirming their intention to jointly produce arms, paving the way for large-scale defense industry projects, says Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The announcement came after his meeting with a delegation from the French Ministry of Defense, led by Catherine Vautrin, in Kyiv. She visited Ukraine for the first time since her appointment as a minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs in 2025.
During the meeting, Fedorov and the French delegation signed a letter of intent for joint weapons production in Ukraine and France.
What can the Ukrainian Armed Forces expect?
The French side has announced preparations to deliver more Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine. They primarily bolster Ukraine's air defense and strike capabilities in combat operations.
Discussions are also underway to accelerate aircraft deliveries and continue work on record numbers of AASM Hammers. These GPS/laser-guided bombs are adapted for use by Ukrainian aircraft.
Fedorov has also emphasized that Ukraine is interested in SAMP/T, Mistral, Crotale systems and their munitions, as well as in joint work to improve SAMP/T capabilities against Russia's ballistic threats.
Cooperation also continues on the supply and accelerated production of Aster missiles, which can be launched from SAMP/T systems and Rafale/Mirage 2000 aircraft.
Long-range strike capabilities, including SCALP missiles, have also been discussed, along with joint projects between the governments and defense companies of Ukraine and France to test security solutions and develop innovative electronic warfare systems.
On the frontline and in the lab
Key priorities for defense cooperation have been agreed upon, and funding for joint projects has also been discussed, including through EU loans and the SAFE program.
“Thank you to France for consistent political and military support for Ukraine. This partnership directly strengthens our defense and the security of all of Europe,” Fedorov states.
During their meeting, Fedorov and Vautrin visited air defense positions, witnessing firsthand the scale of mass Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
Russia systematically targets energy and civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones, while Ukraine is among the leaders in drone production of various types to intercept them.
“We are constantly working on military innovations. It is already clear that the missile program will be a successful direction, and we will expand it together with our Western partners,” Fedorov adds.
