France begins training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets

October 2, 2026 at 06:49 PM2 min

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France has begun training the first Ukrainian military pilots to fly Rafale fighter jets, Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad said. The training precedes a possible transfer of the aircraft to Ukraine, with the first four jets expected upon completion of the course. The program starts on Grob G-120TP trainers, advances to Dornier Alpha Jets, and culminates on Rafale fighters.

Key Facts

France has begun training the first Ukrainian military pilots to fly Rafale fighter jets, according to Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad.
The training program progresses through Grob G-120TP light trainers, Dornier Alpha Jet advanced trainers, and finally Rafale fighters.
Ukraine may receive the first four Rafale jets immediately after completing the training course.
In July, France and Ukraine announced a roadmap for the acquisition of 16 Rafale jets and their armaments.
A letter of intent signed in November 2025 provides for a possible expansion of the order to 100 fighter jets over the next decade.

Training Program

France has begun preparing the first Ukrainian pilots to fly French Rafale fighter jets ahead of their possible transfer to Ukraine. The training follows the traditional Air Force pathway, starting on Grob G-120TP light trainer aircraft, then moving to Dornier Alpha Jet advanced trainers, and only after that mastering complex fighter jets. Ukraine may receive the first four aircraft immediately after completing this training course.

Rafale Acquisition Roadmap

In July, France and Ukraine announced a roadmap that calls for the purchase of 16 Rafale jets and their armaments. A letter of intent signed in November 2025 provides for the possible expansion of the order to 100 fighter jets over the next decade. The final delivery dates and terms remain uncertain, with no binding contract signed and the previously announced timeline for the first Rafales in 2028–2029 dependent on Dassault Aviation's production capacity and financing.

Dassault Aviation AI Tests

Dassault Aviation has conducted flight tests of two artificial intelligence algorithms on the Rafale fighter jet. These technologies could eventually be used to improve the aircraft's onboard systems. The French Rafale fighter jet will be equipped with combat artificial intelligence from Harmattan AI, which will also be used on Ukrainian Raybird drones manufactured by Skyeton.