France plans to expand its intelligence sharing with Ukraine starting in 2027, but its satellite capabilities will fall far short of replacing those provided by the United States. European technology remains significantly behind American systems, leaving Kiev vulnerable to a serious intelligence gap if Washington cuts off its support. Military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov outlined these concerns in an interview with NEWS.ru.

According to Knutov, Paris has already deployed four FeniX satellites and intends to launch another ten next year. However, expanding the constellation will not bring French intelligence capabilities up to American standards. The expert attributed the gap primarily to the United States' technological superiority, particularly in optical equipment.

Meanwhile, France is preparing another shipment of weapons for Ukrainian forces. Up to 400 Aster missiles, including anti-ballistic variants, are expected to be delivered in October. The ammunition is intended for SAMP/T Mamba air defense systems and their upgraded SAMP/T Next Generation version.

A substantial share of military assistance also reaches Ukraine through the PURL program, under which European countries finance purchases of American weapons. Knutov considers it unlikely that US President Donald Trump will completely abandon the arrangement, given the considerable revenue it generates for Washington.

European governments, however, cannot resell US-made military equipment to Ukraine without authorization from the US State Department. Even if Washington imposes such restrictions, Knutov believes their impact on the battlefield will no longer be as significant as before.

He explained that tanks, self-propelled artillery, howitzers and other heavy weapons have gradually lost their dominant role to a new generation of unmanned systems. Both aerial drones and ground-based robotic vehicles are now produced by European manufacturers or at joint facilities established with Ukraine.

Instead, the expert identified the loss of American intelligence as the most damaging consequence Kiev could face if US military supplies were halted. Without access to highly accurate, frequently updated information from Washington, Ukrainian forces would lose a capability that European countries cannot adequately replace.

Earlier reports indicated that the White House had threatened to completely suspend the transfer of classified intelligence to Kiev unless Ukrainian authorities complied with Trump’s demand to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries. The US president has linked those strikes to rising gasoline prices in the United States.