Paris / Kyiv — Ukraine expects to receive new air-defense radars and one French SAMP/T air-defense system this autumn, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday after a nearly two-hour conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy said France is expected to deliver new radars in the fall along with one SAMP/T system. A second SAMP/T system could also be delivered, depending on production rates. Ukraine has previously ordered four newer SAMP/T NG systems, while France is temporarily providing current-generation systems as the newer batteries are produced. Funding is linked to European support loans.
A major challenge remains the limited supply of Aster 30 interceptor missiles used by SAMP/T. Zelenskyy said Ukraine has a contract for additional Aster 30 production, which will be financed through a European loan. Contracts for additional missiles are expected to be signed in September. He compared the shortage with the limited availability of interceptors for Patriot systems.
Ukraine also expects licenses this year to produce three types of French weapons domestically. Zelenskyy thanked Macron and France for their readiness to support the cooperation.
FREYJA Anti-Ballistic Missile Project
Zelenskyy said the European FREYJA anti-ballistic air-defense project has moved from political discussions to technical-level work, with participating companies beginning practical cooperation. Ukraine is counting on the joint European program to strengthen its air and missile defense capabilities.
Patriot Missile Cooperation
Ukraine is also working with U.S. defense company Raytheon on a Ukrainian missile for Patriot systems. Raytheon has selected Ukrainian company Fire Point as its partner. The first technical meeting has already taken place, and Ukraine expects information on the project’s timeline and feasibility in the coming weeks.
Zelenskyy also said he agreed with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the delivery of 600 PAC-2 missiles in 2027–2028. These missiles can intercept ballistic targets, although Ukraine needs larger quantities. Kyiv is also negotiating with the United States, which plans to increase Patriot missile production from the second half of 2027 and beyond.
Ukraine’s Domestic Ballistic Missiles
Two Ukrainian companies are currently developing domestic ballistic missiles, according to Zelenskyy. Mass production has not yet started because of technical issues that the companies are working to resolve.
The latest French commitments follow agreements reached in July 2026, when France pledged to accelerate Aster 30 deliveries, support licensed production of Aster, SCALP and other munitions, and advance cooperation on SAMP/T systems as part of wider European air and missile defense efforts.
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