Zelensky in Paris to seek air defence help for Ukraine

"Zelensky's visit is part of a brief tour of his western allies that saw him seal an energy deal with Greece on Sunday and will include a visit to Spain on Tuesday. The Ukrainian leader has said that "a major deal with France" will be announced soon, but it was not known if that would be finalised in his talks with President Emmanuel Macron. The French presidency said Macron would "put French excellence in the armaments industry field at the service of the defence of Ukraine"."

"Paris, he said, would propose ways to allow Ukraine "to acquire the systems that it needs to answer Russian aggression". Macron's office notably highlighted air defences. Zelensky on Saturday renewed his appeals for more anti-missile systems, a day after deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv. Zelensky and Macron will start the day at the Villacoublay air base near Paris for a presentation of France's Rafale fighter jet."

"They will also look at drones and France's SAMP-T surface-to-air missile system it developed with Italy. The Ukrainian president last month signed a letter of intent that could see his country buy up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighters. Ukraine already has one of the current SAMP-Ts that can counter fighter jets as well as cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. A new-generation, more powerful SAMP-T system should become available from 2027."

Zelensky is undertaking a western tour that included an energy deal with Greece and will include a visit to Spain. A major deal with France is expected, with Macron pledging to put French armaments-industry excellence at the service of Ukraine's defence and proposing ways for Ukraine to acquire systems to answer Russian aggression. The agenda features a presentation of Rafale fighters, drones and France's SAMP-T surface-to-air missile system. Ukraine signed a letter of intent for up to 150 Swedish Gripen fighters. France has promised more Aster missiles and work is underway on deliveries of other advanced air-defence systems and aviation strengthening. The two leaders will discuss joint drone production as Ukraine plans to use more than 4.5 million drones this year.

Read at www.thelocal.fr