France to begin training Ukrainian Rafale pilots in November

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin announced that training for Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets is scheduled to begin in France this November. This initiative follows a July 2026 roadmap established between France and Ukraine.

Ukraine plans to acquire an initial 16 Rafale aircraft and associated weaponry, with the first units expected to be operational in Ukrainian airspace by 2028 or 2029. A broader declaration of intent signed by President Emmanuel Macron and President Volodymyr Zelensky envisions the potential purchase of up to 100 Rafale jets over the next decade.

The training program will follow a progressive structure. Pilots will first utilize trainer aircraft, such as the Dornier Alpha Jet and Grob G-120TP, to master flight dynamics, navigation, and tactical maneuvers before transitioning to the advanced fighter systems. Once the training cycle is complete, the first four Rafale jets will be transferred to Ukraine.