Ukraine receives weapons production licenses from France
Ukraine has received all previously promised licenses for the production of weapons from France. In addition, new aid packages are expected as early as October to strengthen Ukrainian combat aviation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed these issues with French leader Emmanuel Macron during a meeting in Brussels on October 15.
Zelenskyy announced this on his official Telegram channel following the talks.
According to the president, the meeting was primarily focused on countering Russian attacks and expanding defense cooperation between the two countries.
"New packages to strengthen our aviation will arrive this month", — Zelenskyy reported.
The president did not specify the composition of future deliveries, but noted that cooperation with France covers both strengthening existing defense capabilities and developing Ukraine's own weapons production.
A separate outcome of the talks was confirmation of the completion of the procedure for granting licenses for the production of French weapons.
"All licenses for the production of weapons that France promised to Ukraine have already been received. It is important to quickly implement this at the command level," — Zelenskyy emphasized.
Earlier, on July 14, Ukraine and France signed a joint declaration providing for licensed production in Ukraine of AASM guided aerial bombs, SCALP cruise missiles, and Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles.
The document also provides for expanding cooperation in combat aviation and air defense, including the purchase of French Rafale fighters and modern SAMP/T NG air defense systems.
Receiving the licenses creates a legal basis for organizing the production of the respective weapons in Ukraine. However, specific timelines for launching production lines have not yet been announced.
Another topic of the talks was the acceleration of the European anti-ballistic program FREYJA. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine and France are working to have the program operational before the end of 2026.
The FREYJA project involves the development and production of countermeasures against ballistic missiles with participation of European defense companies. France supports the project, including through cooperation between enterprises and provision of technical expertise.
Zelenskyy also reported that during the meeting with Macron, Russian forces launched another drone strike on energy infrastructure in Lutsk. As a result of the attack, the city experienced power supply disruptions.
The President of Ukraine stated that Russia continues attacks on civilian infrastructure despite American President Donald Trump's proposal to stop mutual strikes on energy facilities.
According to Zelenskyy, the situation is further complicated by restrictions in the operation of Starlink satellite communications, which affect Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The Ukrainian president thanked Macron for his support and emphasized the need to accelerate the practical implementation of the defense agreements reached.
Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Office of the President of Ukraine.