With EU Funding Ukraine Will Buy 16 French Dassault Rafale Fighters | Aviation International News

Farnborough Airshow 2026

Ukraine Confirms Order For 16 French Rafale Fighters

First four aircraft could be operational from 2028 following pilot training in France

Dassault Rafale Dubai airshow — The Rafale F3 seen here during the display at Dubai Airshow 2025

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

July 16, 2026

Ukraine is to acquire an initial batch of 16 French Dassault Rafale F4 fighters, supported by a European loan facility, with the first aircraft to be operational from 2028 or 2029. The decision—part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to re-equip its air force with modern Western types—was confirmed on July 14.

Announced alongside a meeting of Ukraine's ‘Coalition of the Willing’ allies held in Paris, the deal builds upon November 2025’s letter of intent to buy up to 100 Rafales “with their associated weapons.” At the time, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested a timeline of around ten years for delivering the complete fleet. However, he has now suggested that the first Rafales are expected to fly in Ukrainian skies as early as 2028 or 2029.

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