France begins training Ukrainian pilots for Rafale fighters

France has initiated a training program for Ukrainian pilots to operate Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Benjamin Haddad, the French minister in charge of Europe, confirmed that discussions are underway to deploy Rafales in Ukrainian airspace, to be flown by Ukrainian personnel rather than French pilots.

Ukraine has ordered an initial 16 Rafale aircraft and associated armaments, including AASM bombs, laser-guided anti-drone rockets, and MICA and Meteor missiles. This order is part of a larger letter of intent for up to 100 aircraft. The first four deliveries are contingent upon Ukrainian pilots and mechanics completing a training cycle in France, which was scheduled to begin in 2026. President Emmanuel Macron indicated that these aircraft are expected to be operational in Ukrainian airspace during 2028 and 2029. Funding for this initiative is expected to come from the 2026 and 2027 tranches of the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan.

In a separate development, Sweden is also supporting Ukraine's fighter capabilities. Ukraine is set to purchase up to 20 Gripen E/F fighters, while Sweden will donate up to 16 used Gripen C/D jets. Deliveries for the new Gripen E fighters are planned for 2029 and 2030.