Ukraine and France step up efforts to strengthen air defence with radars and Aster-30 missiles
Ukraine and France are advancing efforts to provide additional protection for Ukraine’s skies. Key priorities include accelerating radar procurement and the delivery of Aster-30 missiles.
These matters were discussed during a conversation between Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin.
Radars are a critical component of air defence
Mykhailo Fedorov thanked France for its consistent support of Ukraine, including its support for radar-related capabilities, as radars are a critical component of air defence.
The parties discussed support for radar procurement through the European Union loan facility before the end of this year. For Ukraine, it is important to accelerate progress in this area, as radars enhance the ability to detect aerial threats.
The Ukrainian side also thanked France for its efforts to counter russia’s shadow fleet, which remains one of the instruments used to finance the war against Ukraine.
Aster-30 missiles: an urgent priority
Another focus of the discussion was Aster-30 missiles. They are one of the urgent priorities for strengthening Ukraine’s air defence.
Ukraine is ready to step up efforts with France to advance the necessary processes related to radars and Aster-30 missiles in order to provide additional protection for Ukrainian cities this year, before the onset of winter.
Delivery of SAMP/T NG systems
The parties also discussed the possibility of supplying SAMP/T NG systems to Ukraine.
Ukraine and France agreed to examine this matter further to ensure that support for Ukraine’s air defence is as effective as possible.
Drone cooperation and industrial projects
Mykhailo Fedorov stressed the importance of directing resources, including the European Union loan facility, towards strategic projects that can help stop russia. Achieving this requires the coordinated efforts of all partners and a focus on Ukraine’s critical priorities.
One such priority is scaling up drone production, including within the framework of the drone deal between Ukraine and France. In addition, the localisation of French weapons production in Ukraine for the needs of the Defence Forces is being considered.
It is worth noting that, even under record pressure, Ukraine’s air defence continues to protect the population and critical infrastructure. Every missile and drone intercepted means civilian lives saved, less destruction, and a significant blow to the enemy’s plans.
As previously reported, Ukraine’s air defence intercepted nearly 92 percent of drones employed in large-scale attacks in May.