Photo: president.gov.ua
Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training to fly French Rafale fighter jets in France, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on October 5.
The two leaders discussed Russia’s escalating attacks, Ukraine’s air-defense needs and a new French defense package. Zelenskyy said the package is being prepared and that Kyiv expects it to arrive in Ukraine soon, although he did not disclose its contents.
“This is a strong step for Ukrainian combat aviation,” Zelenskyy said of the planned Rafale training.
Ukraine and France are also continuing work on localizing the production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy.
The two leaders also discussed FREYJA, a European anti-ballistic missile development program supported by France and Ukraine. Zelenskyy said the partners were looking at ways to accelerate its implementation. The FREYJA initiative involves several European countries and is aimed at developing additional capabilities to counter ballistic threats.
France and Ukraine agreed in July that Ukraine would acquire an initial 16 Rafale fighters and associated weapons. The agreement also provides for the training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics in France, with the first four aircraft to be transferred after the training cycle is completed. The first Rafale aircraft are expected to enter Ukrainian service in 2028–2029.
The July agreement also authorized licensed production in Ukraine of French AASM bombs and SCALP missiles, as well as, jointly with Italy, Aster 30 missiles. France and Italy also agreed to accelerate deliveries of Aster 30 missiles to Ukraine.
French officials said earlier in October that France had already begun preparations for training the first Ukrainian Rafale pilots.
