France is developing a new generation of air defense systems SAMP/T. Ukraine will be the first country to receive these systems. The delivery dates are not yet disclosed. As an UNIAN correspondent reports, French President Emmanuel Macron said this at joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris.

"Regarding the acquisition of new SAMP/T air defense systems of the latest generation. Right now it is still a development, but we agreed that this development will be the first to be deployed in Ukraine and operate in Ukraine. Ukraine already knows the characteristics of this SAMP/T system, but now these will be new enhanced characteristics," Macron noted.

In turn, as Zelenskyy reported, the new generation of SAMP/T systems is a very serious level for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.

"You know that we are working with Patriots against ballistics. The new level of SAMP/T is against enemy ballistics. I cannot tell you any specific delivery dates for this product, which is very important for us," Zelensky said.

Ukraine and France signed a historic air defense agreement - what is known

As UNIAN reported, today, November 17, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a declaration of intent for cooperation in the field of Ukraine's acquisition of defense equipment. This document provides, among other things, for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets and SAMP/T air defense systems.

While details on the number of Rafale aircraft that Ukraine will receive and the method of their transfer are being clarified, the French military says that some of the fighters may be allocated from the country's strategic reserves.

It was also previously reported that France will create a SAMP/T that can shoot down even hypersonic and aeroballistic missiles . The corresponding production will begin in 2026. It is expected that by 2030 the French army will receive eight such complexes, and by 2034 - four more SAMs.