France Deploys Rafale Jets to Poland Amid Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The French defense ministry said Wednesday it has deployed Rafale combat jets to Poland.

“The Rafales of the French Air Force (have been deployed) on an air defense mission over Polish territory,” the ministry said in a statement. It said the objective behind sending these advanced aircraft is “to strengthen the deterrence and defense posture on the NATO eastern flank.”

The ministry however did not specify how many jets it will be deploying to Poland.

Also read: 70 Jets from 3 NATO Nations to Join Fight for Ukraine

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, said on February 27 that the bloc would provide funds to Ukraine to acquire fighter jets from unidentified member states.

“We’re going to provide even fighting jets. We’re not talking about just ammunition. We are providing more important arms to go to war,” Borrell said at a press conference.

European countries manufacture some of the world’s top fighter jets, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and Saab Gripen. They also operate a number of American F-35 stealth jets.

The EU is more likely to deliver jets like MiG-29s and Sukhois to Ukraine since the country does not have time to train its pilots for new jets.