France completes training of first group of Ukrainian pilots

Follow the latest news on the war in Ukraine live

September 20 () –

The French Armed Forces announced on Friday that the training period of a first group of Ukrainian pilots has been completed after six months of instruction in the use of Alpha Jet light attack aircraft.

“Since March 2024, the Air Force has been training Ukrainian pilots to meet an operational need of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. France’s resolute support for Ukraine’s war effort,” the French Army said on its social media.

A dozen Ukrainian pilots have been trained in France to operate the Alpha Jet, considered an intermediate training aircraft between combat helicopters and F-16 fighters, according to the Ukrinform agency.

This training period includes an intensive six-month course instead of the usual 18 months. The Alpha Jets have a cockpit interior similar to that of the F-16 fighter aircraft, which makes subsequent adaptation to fighter aircraft easier.

Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly demanded that their Western partners supply fighter jets. Although countries appear to be reluctant to send fighters, they have been open to training Ukrainian pilots.