The country also announces a new bilateral security strategy with Ukraine

France will deliver to Ukraine a new batch of some 40 SCALP EG long-range cruise missiles, along with hundreds of bombs, while preparing a new bilateral security agreement with the country, President Emmanuel Macron has said on 16 January in a press conference.

The MBDA SCALP cruise missile is a 1,300-kilogram missile powered by a turbojet engine with a range of over 250 km. It carries a head with conventional explosives and can be launched from aircraft such as Eurofighter Typhoon or French Rafale. The missile, used in Ukraine since 2023, has delivered good results in hitting land and maritime targets beyond the front lines and into the Eastern-occupied regions.

Macron said the Russian war against Ukraine is the most significant risk to security in Europe, which shall “not let Russia win“. He also added that the French industry is turning to a “war economy” to increase production and supplies to Ukraine, in particular, CAESAR 155mm 52-calibre self-propelled howitzer.

“We will basically continue to help Ukraine in its needs – for training, to hold on to the front, and to defend its skies. […] With the deliveries I mentioned, with the agreements we’re finalizing,” he added

According to Macron, France is working on a new bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, similar to the deal on security cooperation signed between Kyiv and London earlier this month. This entails mutual consultation in case Ukraine is attacked and provides “swift and sustained” assistance for defence.

Caterina Tani, reporting from Brussels