Ukrainian pilots to start Rafale training in France soon

Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on French Rafale fighter jets in France, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced after a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, calling it a strong step for combat aviation. The leaders also discussed new defense supplies, with Zelensky expecting a new French aid package to arrive in Ukraine shortly. Macron confirmed the call on X, pledging full support and saying they discussed concrete help to strengthen Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian drones. Rafale is a multirole aircraft capable of air defense, air combat, ground strikes, reconnaissance, and ship attacks, with standard retraining for experienced pilots taking about five months. The leaders also discussed localizing French missile and bomb production in Ukraine and advancing the Freyja anti-ballistic program, following a 2025 letter of intent for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafales by 2035.