Ukraine has formalized an initial order for 16 Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets, financed through the European Union’s €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan programme, marking the first acquisition of this platform by Kyiv [1][4]. The agreement, signed in Paris on 13 July 2026, includes four SAMP/T-NG air and missile defence systems, with Ukraine becoming the first combat operator of the Franco-Italian system [1][2]. Pilot and maintenance training in France could commence in 2026, with the first four aircraft delivered post-training and full delivery of the 16 jets scheduled between 2028 and 2029 [1][2]. France also granted Ukraine licenses to domestically produce Aster-30, AASM Hammer, and SCALP missiles, integrating deep-strike capability into the Ukrainian Air Force alongside existing F-16 and Gripen fleets [1][7].