Zelenskyy: Ukrainian pilots will begin training on Rafale jets soon

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on French Rafale fighter jets following a conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said the two leaders had discussed Russia's terrorist escalation and Ukraine's defence needs.

Quote: "New defence deliveries are now being prepared, and we expect a new package to arrive in Ukraine soon. We discussed its contents. Ukrainian pilots will also begin training on French Rafale aircraft in France in the near future. This is a strong step for Ukraine's combat aviation."

Details: Zelenskyy added that teams from both countries are continuing to work on localising the production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine.

Background:

• Last week, Le Parisien reported that France has begun preparations to train the first Ukrainian pilots to fly French Rafale fighter jets ahead of a possible delivery of 16 aircraft in 2028-2029.
• In July, Macron said Ukraine will receive its first batch of French Rafale fighter jets in 2028-2029.

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Originally reported by Ukrainska Pravda by Khrystyna Bondarieva. Read the full story at the source.