France Begins Training Ukrainian Pilots on Rafale Fighter Jets

Benjamin Haddad, France's minister delegate for Europe, told franceinfo that the country is moving forward with plans to send Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine that will be piloted by Ukrainian airmen rather than French personnel. He said the training of Ukrainian pilots has already begun, marking a new phase in France's military assistance to Kyiv. This development builds on a previously announced roadmap for Ukraine to obtain 16 Rafale jets and associated armaments, with the first aircraft expected to enter Ukrainian service in the late 2020s. The initial four jets could be delivered after the pilot training cycle is completed. The initiative reflects ongoing coordination between French and Ukrainian officials on the transfer and operational use of the aircraft.