Vautrin informed of the planned start of the training on Thursday at a parliamentary gathering on France's defence budget for 2027. Responding to questions from deputies about military support for Ukraine, she confirmed that Paris is continuing talks with Kiev on the improvement of Ukrainian combat aviation.
– We proceed to talk about the combat aviation component, especially Rafale. From November we will begin the first training of Ukrainian pilots on the Rafale – announced the French minister.
The president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski besides spoke about preparations for training. On Monday, he reported on the Telegram that he had discussed this issue during a conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron.
In July, France and Ukraine agreed on a cooperation plan providing for the acquisition of 16 Rafale fighters along with weapons systems. According to Macron's announcement, the first aircraft are to appear in Ukraine in 2028 or 2029.
This is not the only improvement programme of Ukrainian combat aviation. Ukraine has already received F-16 fighters from respective European countries, as well as French Mirage 2000 aircraft.
In May Kiev besides agreed to acquisition 20 fresh Gripen fighters. Sweden besides declared the transfer of 16 older aircraft to Ukraine.
Last November, Ukraine signed with France a letter of intent to acquisition up to 100 Rafale fighters manufactured by the Dassault Aviation company. A period earlier, a akin paper was included with Sweden on the possible acquisition of up to 150 Gripen aircraft.
Paris' cooperation with Kiev besides includes plans to launch arms production in Ukraine. Zelenski reported that both countries are working on projects concerning French air missiles and bombs.
During the parliamentary hearing, Vautrin reported that a licensing procedure is presently under way for missiles. The agreements concluded in July besides supply for the licensed production of AASM guidance kits in Ukraine for gliders, Aster 30 anti-aircraft missiles and aircraft maneuvering missiles.
– We are full aware that we are defending Europe in support of Ukraine – said the French Minister.
The July arrangements besides include the transportation of the first batch of SAMP/T NG anti-aircraft defence kits with missiles. Ukraine already uses an older version of this French-Italian system, equipped with Aster household missiles, manufactured by MBDA.
Ukrainian armed forces besides usage guided AASM Hammer aircraft bombs, developed by the French company Safran.
Rafale fighters, manufactured by French company Dassault Aviation, can carry various weapons, including air–air missiles Meteor produced by MBDA. The aircraft is besides equipped with radar and Thales electronic combat system.
The F4.1 version, developed as part of the modernization of this structure, was qualified in March 2023. The solutions utilized are intended to increase aircraft's ability to detect targets, conduct air combat and operate in an environment threatened by enemy systems.
The start of training of Ukrainian pilots will be another phase of preparation for the possible introduction of Rafale to the service in the Ukrainian air force. However, pilot training alone does not mean that aircraft will be delivered sooner than expected. According to the erstwhile declaration, the first machines are to hit Ukraine in 2028 or 2029.
