PARIS, July 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine will use a European loan facility to buy next-generation Franco-Italian air defence systems and ‌French Rafale fighter jets for the first time, while ‌also securing approval to produce key Western missiles domestically under agreements formalised by ​Kyiv and Paris on Tuesday.

The two countries said Ukraine would order an initial 16 Rafale aircraft, the first tranche of a planned fleet of 100 announced in November 2025, financed through the European ‌Union's Ukraine Support Loan ⁠programme.

Training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics could begin in France as early as 2026, with the first ⁠four aircraft delivered after training is completed, the French and Ukrainian presidencies said in a joint statement, providing the first details of ​purchases outlined ​on Monday.

Ukraine also plans to ​acquire four next-generation SAMP/T-NG air ‌and missile defence systems, becoming the first country to deploy the Franco-Italian system in combat. Two older versions will be dispatched to Ukraine until the new systems are delivered.

The move builds on a broader air-defence initiative unveiled on Monday by Ukraine and several ‌European allies aimed at developing a ​lower-cost anti-ballistic missile capability as Russia ​steps up attacks on ​Ukrainian cities.

France and Italy also authorised licensed production in ‌Ukraine of Aster 30 interceptor ​missiles, while France ​approved local production of AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles, deepening defence-industrial cooperation with Kyiv.

Russia has intensified missile and ​drone strikes across ‌Ukraine in recent weeks, increasing pressure on Kyiv to ​strengthen air defences and secure additional interceptor supplies.

(Reporting by Michel ​Rose; Editing by Alistair Bell)