France to start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighters in November, armed forces minister says
Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin told French lawmakers that pilot training for Ukraine's prospective Rafale fleet will begin next month. France and Ukraine announced plans in July for up to 16 aircraft funded through EU loan tranches 2026–27.
Why it matters: Training starts before the contract is signed — a vote of confidence that the €90 billion EU loan will actually flow, and that French industry can absorb the order without cannibalising domestic squadrons.