Ukraine to train pilots on French Rafale jets, Macron pledges new defense aid

rbc.ua (Ukrainian) —

Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on French Rafale fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced following a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, who also confirmed new defense aid for Ukraine. Zelensky said new defense supplies are being prepared and a package is expected in Ukraine soon. The leaders also discussed localizing production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine and accelerating work on the FREYJA European anti-ballistic missile system. France and Ukraine signed an agreement in November 2025 for Ukraine to purchase defense equipment, and in July 2026 signed a deal for 16 Rafale jets, with first deliveries expected in 2028-2029.


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