# France to Train Ukrainian Rafale Pilots

France plans to begin training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighters in November 2026, ahead of the aircraft’s expected delivery to Ukraine in 2028 or 2029. The training is part of a broader reported roadmap for Rafale aircraft and supporting systems; related plans also include air-defense equipment and licensed production of selected French munitions in Ukraine. No contract values, solicitation numbers, or open competitions are reported, so the development signals a longer-term defense market rather than an identified near-term bid opportunity.

- French and Ukrainian procurement stakeholders and suppliers may need to coordinate training, aircraft delivery, weapons integration, and sustainment over a multi-year period.
- Dassault Aviation and suppliers of weapons, radar, and air-defense systems are relevant to the broader equipment pipeline, while licensed production could create opportunities for industrial cooperation in Ukraine.
- Companies should distinguish these announced plans from competed procurements: the signals provide no funding values, solicitation details, or current bid deadlines.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- French Ministry of the Armed Forces
- Government of Ukraine
- French Parliament

### Vendors
- Dassault Aviation (Rafale aircraft manufacturer and prospective supplier)
- MBDA (Missile and air-defense interceptor manufacturer)
- Thales (Rafale radar supplier)
- Safran (AASM Hammer glide-bomb developer)

### Key Quotes
> From November, we will begin the first training of Ukrainian pilots on Rafale.
> — Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces

### Sources
- [France to start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale warplanes in November, minister says](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/10/08/france-to-start-training-ukrainian-pilots-on-rafale-warplanes-in-november-minister-says) - Defense News