Unprecedented Boost in French Support
France dramatically escalated its military assistance to Ukraine in 2024, delivering more aid than the combined totals of 2022 and 2023, according to a recent parliamentary report on arms exports. This significant increase highlights France's evolving strategy to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst ongoing conflict.
Context of Previous Aid and 2024 Commitments
Prior to 2024, France had provided substantial support to Ukraine. Between February 24, 2022, and December 31, 2023, the French Defense Ministry reported military equipment deliveries valued at €2.615 billion, supplemented by an additional €1.2 billion contributed to the European Peace Facility (EPF), bringing the total military support for that period to over €3.8 billion.
For 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron initially pledged up to €3 billion in additional military aid as part of a bilateral security agreement signed with Kyiv in February. However, in October 2024, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu indicated that due to budget deficits, the actual aid for the year would likely exceed €2 billion but not reach the initially promised €3 billion. Despite these earlier projections, the later parliamentary report from November 2025 concluded that the overall military aid provided by France in 2024 surpassed the combined total of the preceding two years.
Key Deliveries and Strategic Focus
The increased aid in 2024 included a wide array of military equipment and support. For the first four months of the year alone, France supplied military equipment valued at €420 million, alongside a €900 million contribution to the EPF, totaling over €1.32 billion. Specific deliveries reported for 2024 include:
- Artillery Systems: 36 155-mm artillery systems, 10 120-mm mortars, and four additional artillery systems, likely LRU multiple rocket launchers.
- Armored Vehicles: 162 VAB armored vehicles, 18 AMX-10 RC wheeled tanks, and 10 Bastion armored vehicles.
- Air Defense: 22 'missiles and launchers' for ground-based air defense systems.
- Ammunition: Significant quantities of artillery ammunition, with nine export licenses totaling over €1.4 billion, along with small arms ammunition.
- Other Equipment: 4,000 pistols, 300 rifles, 282 7.62 mm machine guns, 156 heavy 12.7 mm machine guns, 282 anti-tank systems and grenade launchers, night vision devices, and reconnaissance UAVs.
- Air-to-Ground Munitions: Deliveries included 63 Mk81 bombs and AASM guided bombs. France also committed to providing 50 missiles per month throughout 2024, totaling 600 missiles.
Beyond equipment, France has also significantly expanded its training efforts, with approximately 19,000 Ukrainian service members trained either on French territory or in Poland under the EU training mission EUMAM. The focus for 2024 shifted towards longer-term support in critical capabilities such as artillery, long-range strike, and ground-based air defense.
Ongoing Commitment and Future Outlook
The parliamentary report underscores France's sustained commitment to Ukraine's security. This increased aid is part of a broader effort to provide long-term support and enhance Ukraine's resilience, with future deliveries expected to include additional Aster missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems and Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets. France continues to contribute to the security of Europe's Eastern Flank through military deployments and a permanent maritime presence.
5 Comments
Habibi
It's good to see France contributing to European security, however, the report mentions budget deficits. We must balance international obligations with national fiscal responsibility.
Muchacha
This just prolongs the conflict. We need peace, not more weapons.
Bermudez
Sending more weapons only escalates the violence. Think of the consequences!
Mariposa
This is exactly what Ukraine needs to defend itself.
Muchacha
Increased aid is vital for Ukraine's defense, but I wonder if enough diplomatic effort is being made in parallel to find a peaceful resolution. Weapons alone won't end the war.