Initial training for Ukrainian pilots to fly French Rafale fighter jets will begin in November, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said.
Vautrin announced the timetable at a hearing of the lower house of parliament’s defence committee. She said France would begin the initial phase of training Ukrainian pilots to operate the Rafale. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 5, after speaking with Emmanuel Macron, that training in France would start soon.
Macron said in July that Ukraine would acquire 16 Rafale fighters from France, together with weapons. He said the aircraft could enter service in 2028–2029. Vautrin discussed the programme during hearings on France’s 2027 defence budget.
The French announcement confirms when training will start but gives no details on its duration, the size of the group or the number of instructors. Russia opposes Western arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian officials say the deliveries hinder efforts to resolve the conflict.