France to train pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

4 September, 2023 Rafale C fighter of the French Air and Space Forces. Photo from the network France will train Ukrainian military pilots.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the relevant agreement in his evening address on Sunday, September 3. He said he had talked about this with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Presidents also discussed the supply of new weapons to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the assistance that France could provide to protect the Odesa region.

"And there is a very important agreement on training our pilots in France - our coalition of modern fighters is getting more powerful," Zelensky said.

Rafale fighter. Photo credits: Dassault Aviation

It likely regards the basic flight training for fighter pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As previously reported, in August, the Ukrainian pilots flew to the UK and Sweden for training purposes.

In these countries, Ukrainian young and experienced pilots of the classes of 2023 and 2016 will master modern combat aircraft. The training system in these countries is quite flexible. Instructors approach each Ukrainian pilot individually.

The skills and capabilities of each pilot are first tested separately. The training plan also includes learning English. It is not yet known how long the training will last.

F-16 of the Royal Danish Air Force.

Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

Also, Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets of the Royal Danish Air Force. Some of the pilots have successfully completed the preparatory activities, so they can already begin F-16 training. Moreover, 65 personnel will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.

Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 fighter jets.

It is not yet known which versions of the aircraft will be transferred.

The first six fighters will fly from Denmark to Ukraine closer to the end of the year.