Ukraine's pilots to start training on French Rafale jets, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian pilots will begin training on French Rafale fighter jets in the near future, following a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky stated that the leaders discussed Russian terrorist escalation and Ukraine's defense needs, with new defense supplies being prepared and a new package expected soon. He described the Rafale training as a strong step for Ukrainian combat aviation, while both countries' teams continue working on localizing French missile and aerial bomb production in Ukraine. The announcement follows a Le Parisien report that France had begun preparations for training Ukrainian pilots ahead of a possible delivery of 16 aircraft in 2028-2029. In July, Macron had stated that initial training flights would begin in the coming months.