Ukraine will be the first of all customer countries to receive the promising SAMP/T air defense system, the development of which is still ongoing. About this said French President Emmanuel Macron, during a joint briefing with the President of Ukraine.
"We have started bilateral cooperation, which is designed for the next 10 years, regarding the acquisition, development and production of drones, drone interceptors, guided bombs. We are talking about deliveries that we plan for a two-year perspective and for 10 years ahead," Macron said.
According to him, the new generation of the SAMP/T air defense system is currently still under development, but France has agreed that it could be the first to be deployed in Ukraine.
"Ukraine already knows the characteristics of this system (PPO - ed.), but now these will be new, enhanced characteristics," — added the French president.
He also noted that under the terms of the agreement, Ukraine will be able to purchase 100 aircraft with full armament and with appropriate training programs for maintenance teams and pilots.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the new generation of SAMP/T air defense systems is capable of shooting down ballistic missiles.
"The new level of SAMP/T is against enemy ballistics, and I cannot talk about the delivery dates of this product, which is very important for us," - the head of state said.
According to him, Ukraine will be able to receive 8 SAMP-T air defense systems, 100 Rafale F-4 combat aircraft, as well as a number of other high-tech equipment.
"Ukraine will be able to receive 100 Rafale F-4 aircraft, very powerful French radars, 8 SAMP-T air defense systems, 6 launchers. These are technical details for some, but for us they are important," said Zelensky.
The President also announced that France will transfer 55 electric locomotives to Ukraine, which will be additional assistance to Ukrainian infrastructure.
At the same time, Zelenskyy refused to disclose the full list and characteristics of the provided weapons. According to him, the publicity of some details could create risks for both Ukraine and its partners.
"We can only talk about individual types of weapons when they are already fulfilling their tasks," — the head of state emphasized.
