Breaking News: France to Continue Military Aid to Ukraine with Phase-Out of Army Combat Vehicles and Missiles.

France has reaffirmed its commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine in an announcement made on March 3, 2025, during the French parliamentary session. French Minister of Armed Forces, M. Sébastien Lecornu, confirmed that the country will continue to support Ukraine under a new funding plan for 2025. This decision follows a similar move from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently paused military aid to Ukraine. Lecornu highlighted that France’s military support would include a range of equipment, some of which is part of a phase-out plan for outdated military assets from the French Army.
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French AMX-10 RCR anti-tank armored vehicles, part of France's continued military aid to Ukraine, set to enhance Ukraine's ground defense capabilities. (Picture source: Social Network)

Under this plan, France will decommission older equipment, which will be immediately transferred to Ukraine. Key items in this phase-out include Véhicules de l'Avant Blindé (VAB) armored vehicles, AMX-10 RCR light tanks, and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) nearing the end of their service life. These transfers will help enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities while simultaneously allowing France to modernize its own military forces.

France has been one of the largest and most consistent European supporters of Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022. Its contribution has been significant, both in terms of the scope and variety of military equipment provided. Before the Russian invasion, France had already been a leading arms exporter to Ukraine. Between 2014 and 2020, France was the largest exporter of arms to Ukraine, providing over €1.6 billion worth of military goods. These included a wide range of items such as helicopters, reconnaissance drones, navy-related weapons, targeting systems, ammunition of various calibers, and fire control systems.

In the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion, France's military aid to Ukraine has been extensive, although the full extent remains largely undisclosed by both France and Ukraine. The assistance began before the invasion, with France providing defense equipment and pre-war training for Ukrainian troops. On February 26, 2022, France made the first significant announcement of military support, followed by further pledges in the coming months. On April 13, 2022, the French Minister of Defense announced additional weapon deliveries to Ukraine. On April 30, 2022, President Macron promised to increase military aid, a commitment he reaffirmed in May 2022, emphasizing that weapons deliveries would intensify.

One of the most strategic elements of France's support has been its provision of anti-ship missiles, including Exocet missiles, designed to help Ukraine break Russia’s maritime blockade and enable the country to resume its crucial grain and raw material exports. France also contributed to the European Peace Facility Fund, providing €500 million out of a total of €3 billion as of December 2022. In October 2022, France established a special military fund totaling €200 million, which allows Ukraine to purchase military equipment directly from French defense contractors.

France’s contribution also included training Ukrainian soldiers. In October 2022, it was announced that up to 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers would be trained in France, with these troops assigned to French military units for several weeks of instruction. This initiative was expanded in January 2023, when it was announced that France would send 150 military personnel to Poland to train up to 600 Ukrainian soldiers per month.

Among the military assets provided by France, the AMX-10RCR light tanks and ACMAT Bastion armored vehicles were significant contributions, marking the first time that Ukraine received "Western tanks." Additionally, France provided CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and Mistral air-defense missiles, both of which have been vital for Ukraine’s defense. On January 4, 2023, President Macron pledged to send more armored vehicles to Ukraine, including the AMX-10 RC and ACMAT Bastion vehicles. Furthermore, the French government announced that it would deliver Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, along with pilot training, to bolster the Ukrainian air force.

In terms of intelligence support, France has provided satellite imagery through its advanced CERES, CSO, Pleiades, and Helios satellites, which provide real-time intelligence to Ukrainian military officials multiple times per day. France has also deployed dozens of agents from the DGSE (Directorate-General for External Security) to assist with on-the-ground intelligence gathering since the beginning of the war.

In addition to these advanced systems, France has delivered SCALP EG cruise missiles since July 2023, with additional deliveries planned for later in 2024. France also provided AASM Hammer aerial bombs, at a rate of 50 per month starting in March 2024, further enhancing Ukraine's airstrike capabilities. On the air-defense front, France has supplied SAMP/T batteries, Crotale NG batteries, and additional short-range air-defense systems purchased through the French military fund. These contributions are critical as Ukraine continues to counter Russian missile and aerial threats.

French ground support for Ukraine has also been extensive. France has delivered 227mm LRU Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and 155mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzers, which have greatly enhanced Ukraine's artillery capabilities. In total, 30 CAESAR howitzers were delivered starting in May 2022, along with tens of thousands of shells and various munitions, including BONUS and LU 211 HE shells, and Ralec proximity fuzes. Additionally, 155mm TRF1 towed howitzers and MO-120 RT heavy mortars have been provided, further increasing Ukraine's artillery strength.

To help with mobility, France has sent 38 AMX-10 RCR armored vehicles, and approximately 260 VABs armored personnel carriers. These vehicles have been crucial in allowing Ukrainian forces to remain mobile and protected on the battlefield. Additionally, Ukraine has received a range of logistical support in the form of Renault TRM 2000 trucks, Renault TRM 10000 fuel trucks, and Peugeot P4 off-road vehicles, which were partially funded by crowdfunding efforts from the Ukrainian public.

The French government's ongoing military support also includes engineering equipment, such as motorized floating bridges and VAB Génie engineering vehicles, which are set to be delivered in the near future. Furthermore, France has provided Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (Mistrals) and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (MILAN, Javelins, and Akeron MPs) to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

As of 2024, France's military aid to Ukraine remains one of the most comprehensive and sustained among European nations. With a total commitment of over €1.6 billion in military equipment since 2014, and significant contributions since the 2022 invasion, France stands as one of Ukraine's most important allies. France’s support, which includes not only advanced weapons systems but also logistical support, training, and intelligence sharing, plays a crucial role in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The French government's long-term commitment to Ukraine reflects its broader strategic interests in European stability and the defense of democratic values in the face of external threats.