France is allocating new defense aid provisions to Ukraine, including artillery ammunition and air-launched precision-guided bombs with a total worth of 195 million euros (about $211.25 million), paid with windfall profits generated by frozen russian assets.
The upcoming military aid package was announced by Sébastien Lecornu, the French Armed Forces Minister, in an interview with the La Tribune Dimanche newspaper. He specified that included are an unspecified number of 155mm artillery rounds and AASM Hammer aerial bombs but refrained from further comments on the sensitive topic.
Read more: The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Shows How the AMX-10 RC Vehicle Strengthens Ukraine’s Defenses (Video)
Lecornu also recalled several previous defense aid transfers from France and mentioned plans to accelerate the supply of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, specifically referring to AMX-10RC and VAB armored vehicles.
On a separate note, defense minister named the current rearmament priorities for the French army. Primarily, the national forces will seek to acquire novel ammunition and electronic warfare systems, followed by drones and robotics in general.
During the interview, Lecornu reminded of the previously declared plans to ramp up deliveries of Rafale fighters from Dassault Aviation. Earlier, Defense Express reported statements from Dassault committing to a significant production increase from 2 to 4 or possibly 5 aircraft per month by 2026. Currently, the company has multiple nations queued up for Rafale, so a new customer will have to wait for 9 years.
Industrial expansion will also affect production rates of the AASM Hammer guidance kits which turn a blind free-falling bomb into a smart weapon with a variety of guidance systems. According to reports from late 2024, the output should grow up to 1,200 bombs manufactured yearly.
Read more: French Mirage 2000 Jets Help Repel russian Air Attack on Ukraine for the First Time
