# France-Ukraine Rafale fighter jet cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/france-ukraine-rafale-fighter-jet-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-30T22:19:35.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

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.

## Claims

- The procurement deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets is expected to conclude by the end of the financial year. (single source)
- The Rafale deal is structured as a buy-and-make programme with most aircraft assembled in India. (single source)
- French Air Defence Deputy Commander Julien Sabene compared India's indigenous Tejas fighter jet to the French Mirage 2000. (single source)
- The Rafale procurement programme is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: France begins training Ukrainian pilots for Rafale fighters

France has launched pilot training for Ukrainian Rafale fighter jets. The program is a prerequisite for the delivery of initial aircraft, which are expected to operate in Ukraine by 2028 or 2029.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-begins-training-ukrainian-pilots-for-rafale-fighters

### 2026-09-29: India advances Rafale fighter jet deal and defense ties with France

India is nearing a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets to be largely manufactured domestically, while French officials have praised the capabilities of India's indigenous Tejas fighter jet.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-and-france-advance-defense-cooperation-on-fighter-jets

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Cite as: France-Ukraine Rafale fighter jet cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/france-ukraine-rafale-fighter-jet-cooperation