Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 8 February that Ukraine has secured commitments for 250 combat aircraft from partner nations, marking what would be a significant expansion of the country's air capabilities.
Speaking with students at the Kyiv Aviation Institute on 8 February, Zelenskyy outlined the specifics of the agreements.
"Ukraine has agreements today for the delivery to Ukraine of 150 Gripen military aircraft, 100 Rafale aircraft. These are the best aircraft, in our view, that exist in the world," he said.
The president emphasized aviation as a priority for the warring nation.
"We are more focused now on military aviation. This is true. Civil aviation is very important. This is also true. We will develop military aviation. We are turning to the university and are ready to support this direction," Zelenskyy told the students.
The Gripen agreement took shape in October 2025, when Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent in Sweden to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen fighters for Ukraine's Air Force. He later clarified that Ukraine expects to receive 150 fighters, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2026.
The Rafale commitment emerged in November 2025 during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Zelenskyy, France will provide Ukraine with eight SAMP-T air defense systems, 100 Rafale F-4 fighter jets, French radars, and other weapons.
