France Announces $2.2B Ukraine Aid Package With Joint Weapons Production, MICA Missiles for Mirage Jets

France has announced a $2.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, supplying missiles, armored vehicles, and support for local defense production.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the package is designed to meet Ukraine’s priority military needs, delivering MILAN anti-tank missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles for Mirage 2000 fighter jets, and Mistral air defense missiles. The aid also includes VAB armored personnel carriers and AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles to reinforce Ukraine’s mechanized forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed France’s continued support, highlighting the effectiveness of the Mirage 2000 fighters. “I want to highlight France’s efforts in helping us defend against Russian strikes. In particular, your Mirages—combat aircraft made in France—have performed very well. I am particularly grateful for them—they have already become a part of our air shield and are helping us defend primarily against Shaheds and other attack drones. We have spoken about increasing the number of Mirage fighter jets,” he said.

Macron also confirmed that the aid package includes remotely controlled ammunition and expanded defense industry cooperation, allowing Ukraine to produce military equipment domestically in partnership with French companies. The VAB and AMX-10RC vehicles are already in use by Ukrainian forces, with the AMX-10RC known for its role as a wheeled tank or tank hunter.

“Today, Emmanuel and I discussed how we can boost our joint production and industrial power with France—from air defense to artillery,” Zelenskyy confirmed in an X post.

Ukraine recently received its first batch of French Mirage 2000-5F fighters, modified to strike ground targets. On March 7, one of these jets intercepted and destroyed a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during a large-scale missile and drone attack.

Macron reiterated that Russia continues to demonstrate a "desire for war" despite efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. His remarks came ahead of a summit focused on strengthening Ukraine’s security under a potential truce brokered by the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Russia’s demands for a peace deal but warned that negotiations would take time.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a strong warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that any attack on Poland or another NATO ally would be met with a "devastating" response. His comments, delivered in Warsaw alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, addressed concerns that a possible U.S.-Russia peace settlement could allow Russia to rebuild its military strength and threaten neighboring countries in the future.