France licenses arms production to Ukraine as European allies form missile defence pact
France has agreed to license missile production to Ukraine and the UK has joined an EU defence loan scheme, signaling a deeper industrial integration of Kyiv into European security architecture as Russia intensifies its attacks.
France has agreed to license the production of cruise missiles and air defence interceptors to Ukraine, marking a historic shift in bilateral defence cooperation. The announcement coincided with a new 10-nation coalition aimed at building a shared European ballistic missile defence architecture.
President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Kyiv will be permitted to manufacture AASM precision-guided bombs, Aster interceptors and SCALP long-range cruise missiles. Ukraine has also ordered next-generation SAMP-T air defence systems and 16 Rafale fighter jets for delivery by 2028 or 2029.
In a parallel move to strengthen European defence industries, Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement granting British firms access to contracts funded by the €90bn EU Ukraine Support Loan. This integration provides a direct stimulus to European defence manufacturers while attempting to streamline military aid.
The industrial ramp-up comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Kyiv requires 300 Patriot missile interceptors to survive the next winter. He argued that securing this "winter package" of 100 missiles per month is essential to deter Russia from targeting critical energy infrastructure.
This diplomatic push follows a fresh wave of Russian attacks on Kyiv, which sparked fires in the Holosiivskyi district and an eastern suburb. President Vladimir Putin recently vowed that any Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory would be met with retaliation "several times more powerful."
The newly formed ballistic missile coalition includes Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Ukraine. Officials stated the initiative will leverage Kyiv’s operational experience to neutralise future missile threats across the continent.
Meanwhile, the conflict's ripple effects on global energy markets intensified after Iranian cruise missiles struck two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack killed one Indian crew member and wounded eight others, including two Ukrainian nationals, highlighting the vulnerability of strategic shipping lanes.
