France willing to sell its Dassault-built Rafale fighter jets to Ukrainian Air Force

30.03.2021 10:19

Ukrinform

The Ukrainian government has made it known in Paris and Washington that it is looking for U.S. or EU-built, 4++ gen fighter jets to replace its Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-27s.

These intentions were reported by Intelligence Online, a French website that specializes in security matters, according to Defense Express.

Kyiv is hesitating between light fighters, like the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and a heavier, multi-role fighter, such as Dassault's Rafale, Intelligence Online has reported.

Video of the day

French analysts at Intelligence Online reckon that – in a competition for replacement of Ukraine's aging Soviet-era MiG-29/Su-27 fighter jet fleets – Dassault Rafale and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet would be the favorites.

The potential contract for multirole fighters replacing Ukraine's Soviet-era fleet of MiG-29s and Su-27s would purportedly top the agenda for French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming visit to Ukraine, which was originally slated for the end of March by then postponed until a later date.

Top news