France announces start date for training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale
France will begin training Ukrainian military pilots to operate Rafale fighter jets in November 2026. The specific training timeline was officially announced for the first time by French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin during a parliamentary hearing on October 8.
Defense News reported this, citing the minister's speech before the Committee on National Defense and Armed Forces of the French National Assembly.
“We are continuing discussions on combat aviation issues, in particular Rafale. Starting in November, we will begin the first stages of training Ukrainian pilots on these aircraft,” Vautrin stated.
The minister's address took place as part of deliberations on France's 2027 defense budget. Responding to lawmakers' questions about military aid to Ukraine, Vautrin confirmed continued cooperation in combat aviation.
Ukraine prepares to receive French fighter jets
Training Ukrainian pilots is part of a broader cooperation program between Ukraine and France that involves purchasing modern combat aircraft and aircraft weapons.
In July 2026, Kyiv and Paris agreed on a roadmap that includes an initial purchase of 16 Rafale fighters along with the necessary weapons systems.
In the future, Ukraine expects to acquire significantly more French aircraft. As early as November 2025, the parties signed a letter of intent providing for the potential purchase of up to 100 Rafale fighters produced by Dassault Aviation.
However, these agreements do not mean that all the aircraft are already contracted or ready for delivery. The program's implementation depends on funding, production capabilities, and training of Ukrainian personnel.
According to Defense News, the first Rafales could appear in Ukrainian airspace in 2028–2029. French President Emmanuel Macron previously mentioned such a timeline.
Thus, the start of training in November marks a preparatory stage rather than the immediate beginning of fighter deliveries.
Zelensky discussed pilot training with Macron
Earlier, on October 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
One of the main topics was strengthening Ukrainian combat aviation and training pilots on Rafale.
Zelensky stated at the time that training of Ukrainian pilots in France would begin in the near future, calling the agreement an important step for developing the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Now the French side has specified the timing—training is set to begin in November.
In addition to aviation, the presidents discussed new defense deliveries and possibilities for strengthening Ukraine's protection against Russian air attacks.
France prepares to localize missile production in Ukraine
Kyiv and Paris cooperation also involves organizing production of certain types of French weapons on Ukrainian territory.
In particular, the parties are working on localizing production of air-launched missiles and guided aerial bombs.
During the parliamentary hearing, Catherine Vautrin said that licensing procedures for missile weapons are already ongoing.
Previously, France and Ukraine agreed on the possibility of licensed production of several types of weapons, including:
- AASM Hammer — high-precision guided aerial bombs;
- SCALP — long-range air-launched cruise missiles;
- Aster 30 — surface-to-air missiles for SAMP/T air defense systems.
Localizing production should allow Ukraine to reduce dependence on foreign supplies of certain munitions and improve supply resilience.
However, specific launch dates for the facilities and future production volumes have not yet been announced.
Ukraine also expects new air defense systems
In addition to aviation contracts, the July agreements between Kyiv and Paris included the purchase of the first batch of upgraded SAMP/T NG medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.
This is a further development of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system, which Ukraine already uses for protecting its airspace.
SAMP/T NG systems are designed to counter various air threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and certain types of ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian authorities consider expanding such capabilities a priority amid ongoing Russian attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure.
Capabilities of Rafale fighters
Rafale is a multirole French fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation, designed to perform a wide range of combat missions.
The aircraft can be used to gain air superiority, intercept air targets, strike ground targets, and perform reconnaissance missions.
One of its advantages is the ability to employ Meteor air-to-air missiles, designed to destroy air targets at long ranges.
Modern Rafale versions also feature advanced radar systems and electronic warfare equipment.
Currently, Ukraine already operates U.S.-made F-16s and French Mirage 2000 aircraft received from European partners. Additionally, Kyiv is developing cooperation with Sweden on the Gripen program.
The future arrival of Rafale will expand the capabilities of Ukrainian combat aviation and enable the use of additional types of modern Western weapons.
At the same time, the program's implementation hinges on training pilots, training technical personnel, establishing maintenance infrastructure, and supplying the aircraft with necessary munitions.
Based on materials from: Defense News, Ukrinform, Office of the President of Ukraine, Joint Declaration of Ukraine and France.
