Zelenskyy says "historic" deal to buy advanced Rafale fighter jets from France will give Ukraine some of the "greatest air defense" in the world against Russian attacks.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent for the provision of French fighter jets and air defense systems.

Ukraine is seeking up to 100 of the French fighters as part of a long-term modernization program that also includes Saab Gripens. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent on defense equipment acquisition at Villacoublay air base near Paris on Nov. 17.

Zelenskyy said that Kyiv would be allowed to acquire up to 100 Rafale F4s by 2035, marking it as the third pillar of Ukraine's new air force.