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France Starts Work on Ukrainian Rafale Pilot Training
France says training is the immediate prerequisite for 16 initial Rafale deliveries to Ukraine, with pilots and mechanics set to prepare for combat use.
- On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad confirmed France has initiated training for Ukrainian pilots to operate Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
- Ukraine ordered 16 initial Rafale aircraft in a July 14, 2026, declaration following a letter of intent signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 17, 2025, covering 100 jets.
- Following the completion of training, four initial jets are slated for transfer to Ukraine's military. Macron stated these aircraft are expected to operate in Ukrainian airspace between 2028 and 2029.
- France leverages experience from previous Mirage 2000-5 transfers and Alpha Jet courses. The 2024 Alpha Jet program compressed pilot instruction from 18 months to six months for Ukrainian pilots.
- The Rafale initiative unfolds alongside a separate Swedish track. On June 30, 2026, Saab signed a contract for 16 Gripen E fighters for Ukraine, with deliveries planned for 2029 and 2030.
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France has already begun training Ukrainian pilots to fly Rafale fighters. The first aircraft can be handed over after crew training is completed.
·Kyiv, Ukraine
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France has started training Ukrainian pilots for Rafale fighters <p>France is preparing the first Ukrainian pilots for the Rafale that can be transferred to Ukraine. First Four Planes Expected After Completion training.</p>
·Kyiv, Ukraine
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Benjamin Addad confirms talks between Ukraine and France on fighter jets
·Kyiv, Ukraine
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France has begun training the first Ukrainian pilots for flights on Rafale fighters. The training takes place against the background of negotiations between Paris and Kyiv on
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 25%
R 25%
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