France has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s defence efforts, pledging continued military aid under a renewed funding plan for 2025. In a declaration made on March 3, 2025, during a parliamentary session, the French Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, emphasised that France remains resolute in supporting Ukraine at a time when other Western allies, including the United States under President Donald Trump, have reassessed their military assistance. A key component of this commitment is the transfer of decommissioned military equipment from the French Army. France’s phased modernisation strategy will see outdated but still operational assets transferred to Ukraine, strengthening its defensive capabilities while allowing the French military to upgrade its own forces. Among the systems slated for delivery are the venerable Véhicules de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) armoured personnel carriers, AMX-10 RCR light tanks, and an array of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) that are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. This dual-purpose approach enables France to reinforce Ukraine’s war effort while concurrently advancing its own military renewal agenda.
A Historic Track Record of Support
France has played an instrumental role in supporting Ukraine since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, France had established itself as a major arms supplier to Ukraine. Between 2014 and 2020, it was the leading European arms exporter to Kyiv, providing over €1.6 billion worth of military equipment. This included helicopters, reconnaissance drones, naval weaponry, targeting systems, and various types of ammunition. Such a precedent underscored France’s early recognition of Ukraine’s security challenges, long before the war escalated to its current intensity. Since 2022, France’s military assistance has been both extensive and strategic, although many details remain undisclosed due to operational security concerns. The first major aid package was announced on February 26, 2022, just two days after Russia’s invasion. This marked the beginning of a sustained commitment, with successive pledges from President Emmanuel Macron and Defence Minister Lecornu. The scope of aid has encompassed cutting-edge weaponry, financial backing, intelligence-sharing, and crucial training initiatives for Ukrainian forces.
Strategic Defence Contributions
One of the most impactful aspects of France’s aid has been the provision of sophisticated missile systems. France has supplied Ukraine with Exocet anti-ship missiles, which have played a crucial role in breaking Russia’s naval blockade, thereby enabling Ukraine to resume its vital grain and raw materials exports. Similarly, France has delivered SCALP EG cruise missiles since July 2023, with additional deliveries planned throughout 2024. Furthermore, the provision of AASM Hammer aerial bombs, at a rate of 50 per month starting from March 2024, has significantly bolstered Ukraine’s precision-strike capabilities. In addition to airpower enhancements, France has provided robust air defence solutions to counter Russian aerial threats. This includes SAMP/T batteries, Crotale NG short-range air defence systems, and other assets financed through France’s military aid fund. These systems have been instrumental in defending critical Ukrainian infrastructure against missile and drone attacks.
Ground-Based Military Support
France has also contributed significantly to Ukraine’s ground forces, equipping them with high-calibre artillery and advanced mobile units. Since May 2022, France has delivered 30 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, which have proven pivotal on the battlefield. These advanced artillery pieces, along with tens of thousands of shells and various specialised munitions, have greatly enhanced Ukraine’s firepower. The deliveries also included 155mm TRF1 towed howitzers and MO-120 RT heavy mortars, further strengthening Kyiv’s long-range artillery capabilities. The provision of armoured mobility solutions has been another crucial element of France’s aid strategy. To date, Ukraine has received 38 AMX-10 RCR armoured reconnaissance vehicles and approximately 260 VAB armoured personnel carriers. These assets provide essential mobility and protection to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to conduct both defensive and offensive operations with greater efficiency. Complementing these efforts, logistical vehicles such as Renault TRM 2000 trucks, fuel transporters, and off-road vehicles have also been dispatched to aid Ukraine’s military supply chain.
Intelligence and Training Support
Beyond material aid, France has played a vital role in intelligence-sharing and troop training. France’s satellite network—including CERES, CSO, Pleiades, and Helios satellites—has provided Ukraine with critical real-time reconnaissance data, aiding battlefield decision-making and strategic planning. Additionally, France has deployed personnel from the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE) to assist with intelligence gathering and operational support. France’s training initiatives have also been crucial in preparing Ukrainian troops for combat. In October 2022, a programme was launched to train up to 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers in France, embedding them with French military units for hands-on instruction. This programme was expanded in January 2023, with France sending 150 military instructors to Poland to train 600 Ukrainian troops per month. These efforts have enhanced the capabilities of Ukrainian forces, ensuring they can effectively operate Western-supplied weaponry and adopt advanced battlefield tactics.
The Political and Strategic Context
France’s continued support for Ukraine must be viewed within the broader context of European security and global geopolitical dynamics. Paris has consistently positioned itself as a key advocate for Ukraine within the European Union and NATO, working to secure collective military and financial assistance. President Macron has been particularly vocal about the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, an argument that has gained traction as the United States reassesses its role in the conflict. The financial dimension of France’s aid has been equally significant. In addition to direct military assistance, France has contributed €500 million to the European Peace Facility Fund, which has mobilised €3 billion in total support for Ukraine. Moreover, in October 2022, Paris established a dedicated military fund worth €200 million, enabling Ukraine to procure French-made weaponry directly from defence contractors. This initiative ensures a steady supply of critical equipment while simultaneously supporting France’s domestic arms industry.
Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Commitment
As 2025 unfolds, France remains one of Ukraine’s most steadfast allies, demonstrating both military resolve and strategic foresight. Its commitment is not merely about supporting Ukraine in the immediate conflict but also about reinforcing European security in the face of Russian aggression. By phasing out outdated military assets and transferring them to Ukraine, France achieves a dual objective: bolstering Ukraine’s defence while modernising its own armed forces. Despite uncertainties surrounding the trajectory of the war, one thing remains clear: France’s involvement will continue to be a defining factor in shaping the conflict’s outcome. As Western unity faces challenges, Paris’s commitment signals that Ukraine can rely on France as a long-term partner in its struggle for sovereignty and stability. Ultimately, France’s strategic calculations extend beyond immediate military considerations. Its continued support for Ukraine underscores a broader commitment to upholding European stability, countering authoritarian threats, and reinforcing the principles of sovereignty and international law. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, France’s unwavering assistance ensures that Ukraine has the necessary tools to withstand Russian aggression while reinforcing Europe’s collective security framework.
