In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, France has announced its plan to supply Ukraine with kamikaze drones, as revealed by the French Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu. The Minister conveyed that the first batch of these remotely-controlled attack drones will be dispatched to Kyiv in the coming weeks. This move signifies not only France’s commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also highlights the country’s efforts to regain sovereignty over critical military technology through domestic production. Lecornu shared a video showcasing what he claimed to be the successful testing of the first French kamikaze drone, underscoring the advancements made in this area.
Further details emerged from reports by Kyiv state media, specifically Ukrinform, which indicated that the French military had already ordered the production of 2,000 fighter drones from the French manufacturer Delair in March. This production is aimed at equipping both French and Ukrainian forces effectively. In addition to the drones, France has pledged to supply Ukraine with an additional 100 kamikaze drones, demonstrating a robust commitment to supporting Kyiv amidst the ongoing war. This arms assistance comes at a time when Ukraine has intensified its combat efforts, employing attack drones for strikes on various targets, including in Moscow.
Minister Lecornu’s announcements were complemented by France’s broader military support efforts, which include a commitment to provide approximately 3,000 artillery shells and around fifty missiles each month throughout 2023. In a pointed remark that appeared directed at Germany, Lecornu emphasized France’s dedication to delivering on its promises, contrasting it with the performance of other nations bogged down by political considerations. He asserted, “Some countries, for political reasons, have made a lot of announcements. France’s pride is that everything that is promised is really delivered, and everything that is delivered works,” thereby highlighting France’s operational reliability in military assistance.
In a macro study of France’s foreign policy regarding military aid, it is noteworthy that the nation’s approach to the Ukraine conflict starkly differs from its stance on recent developments in the Middle East. President Macron recently declared that France would suspend arms shipments to Israel, citing usage against Hamas in the ongoing Gaza conflict. This decision follows the brutal attacks on Israel, which resulted in the loss of numerous French citizens, demonstrating a complex balancing act in France’s foreign policy between support for Ukraine and criticism of Israel’s military actions.
Simultaneously, Macron’s insistence on committing to an international embargo on arms sales to Israel has led to a sharp exchange between the French President and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Macron invoked the United Nations in defense of his position, suggesting that Israel, being a creation of the UN, should adhere to its guidelines. Netanyahu’s response underscored Israel’s historical context, reminding Macron of the sacrifices made by the Israeli people during their quest for independence, subtly rebuking France’s posturing.
Overall, as the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third anniversary, the strategic military support from France illustrates a serious commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense interests. This commitment is juxtaposed against a backdrop of complex geopolitical considerations, particularly in relation to Middle Eastern conflicts, where France’s policy shifts reflect its diplomatic balancing act.
