France will begin training Ukrainian pilots on the Rafale fighter jets starting in November — Cattrin Watterson
France has announced the specific month when Ukrainian pilots will begin training on the Rafale – November; training will begin in France. This was stated by the French Minister of Defense, Catherine Vautré. Ukraine is ordering the first 16 aircraft with armament, with a plan to acquire 100 aircraft; the first four will be delivered after pilot and technician training, and their appearance in the sky is expected in the 2028–2029 years.
In November, training for Ukrainian pilots on French Rafale fighter jets is scheduled to begin in France. This was stated by Katrin Вотрен, the French Minister of Defense, during a hearing in the National Assembly's defense committee. This marks the first time France has announced a specific month for the start of the training program.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the crews would begin training soon. He made this statement after talks with Emmanuel Macron, his French counterpart.
In a joint declaration, adopted on July 14, it is stated that Ukraine is ordering 16 of the first Rafale aircraft, along with accompanying weaponry. This is part of a strategic plan that involves acquiring 100 such aircraft. Once the training for pilots and technicians is completed, four of the first fighter jets will be delivered. They are expected to appear in the Ukrainian skies in 2028–2029 years.