In a landmark defense agreement, France has granted Ukraine the license to domestically produce French-designed missiles and air defense systems, marking the first time Paris has authorized weapons manufacturing on Ukrainian soil.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision on Monday, July 13, 2026, during a press conference following a Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris. The bilateral agreement establishes a roadmap for Ukraine to manufacture critical munitions, including AASM precision-guided bombs, Aster air defense interceptors, and SCALP long-range cruise missiles.
The licensing agreement is part of a broader French military aid package aimed at bolstering Kyiv’s defense capabilities against ongoing Russian bombardment. Macron also confirmed plans to transfer radar systems to Ukraine and deliver 16 Rafale fighter jets, which are expected to become operational in 2028 or 2029.
The announcement coincides with the launch of a new European Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition. Unveiled the same day, the initiative involves Ukraine and nine partner nations—including France, Germany, and the UK—collaborating to build a shared anti-ballistic missile capacity and to support the development of Ukraine’s domestically designed “Freya” air defense system.
