Paris has begun training Ukrainian pilots to fly Rafale fighter jets.
This was reported by Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe at France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, according to Le Parisien.
According to him, France is in talks with Ukraine on the transfer of fighter jets that would be flown not by French specialists but by Ukrainian pilots.
At present, the countries have an agreement to supply 16 Rafale fighter jets to Kyiv. The first four aircraft are expected to be delivered immediately after the pilots complete their training course, while the remaining jets could appear in Ukrainian skies in 2028–2029. Service personnel will undergo the basic and advanced stages of training on light trainer aircraft, the Grob G-120TP and the Alpha Jet, before moving on to more complex fighters.
Overall, as part of long-term co-operation, Ukraine could order up to 100 Rafales over the next decade. At the same time, experts note that the programme remains complicated due to Dassault Aviation’s packed production schedule, as well as the need to agree final financing and sign a robust contract.