Ukraine will receive new radars for air defence from France this autumn, Zelenskyy says

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine will receive new radars for its air defence systems, following a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists on 23 August, as cited by Interfax-Ukraine and reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said that during the call with Macron, they discussed a range of issues, from peace talks to the SAMP/T system.

"First: we're expecting new radars for air defence from the French side, and we'll receive them this autumn. Second: we're expecting one system to arrive, also in the autumn, and one additional system, which depends on production," the president explained.

He noted that the issue with SAMP/T air defence systems lies in missile production, making it similar to the problem with American Patriot systems.

Quote: "The Aster 30 is the missile we need – it's the one used in SAMP/T air defence systems. There aren't many Asters, even though they're being produced; we have a substantial contract, and we'll be able to pay for it using the European loan. The agreements are in place. In September, we'll sign the relevant contracts for the production of additional Asters. This is very important for us. Once the European funds arrive, we'll be able to pay for these missiles."

Details: Zelenskyy said that production of these missiles is also planned to expand through licensing agreements.

"We hope everything will be formalised with France, and this year we'll receive licences to produce three types of French weapons in Ukraine. I'm grateful to President Macron and to France for their willingness to cooperate very substantively in this area," the president added.

Background: On 22 August, Zelenskyy held an almost two-hour phone call with the French president. Macron, for his part, told the Ukrainian president that France will step up its support and send interceptor missiles.

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