President Volodymyr Zelensky has secured eight units of the French SAMP/T air defense system, which he personally praised as “one of the greatest” in the world. This acquisition is a key, and perhaps most immediate, part of a “historical” 10-year security pact signed with France. While the deal also includes 100 Rafale jets, the focus on the ground-based SAMP/T highlights Ukraine’s desperate, immediate need to stop Russian missile attacks.
The 10-year pact, signed during Zelensky’s visit to Paris, is a direct response to Russia’s escalated air war. Moscow’s forces have relentlessly attacked civilian areas and the energy grid with missiles, drones, and glide bombs. The SAMP/T systems are high-end interceptors designed to destroy these threats, providing a vital shield for Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
While the SAMP/T provides the defensive shield, the 100 Dassault-made Rafales in the deal offer the offensive punch. These advanced jets will be used to challenge Russian air superiority and hunt the bombers that launch glide bombs. However, the delivery of the jets is a long-term project, contingent on pilot training, making the SAMP/T acquisition the more pressing component.
The comprehensive agreement also includes new radars for early warning and a plan for the joint production of interceptor drones. This creates a complete air defense ecosystem, combining ground-based interceptors, advanced jets, and new drone technologies.
This critical defensive upgrade is being financed by European partners, a necessity since the Trump administration halted US aid. Funding will be drawn from the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan fund and a G7-backed mechanism to use revenues from immobilized Russian assets.
