France to welcome first Ukrainian pilots for training in early 2024

France will train Ukrainian pilots starting 2024 and continue military training programs for Ukrainian troops under EU assistance mission, while supplying weapons and equipment.

byYuri Zoria

20/12/2023

2 minute read

French Air Force’s two Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet advanced jet trainers. Illustrative photo: dassault-aviation.com

France to welcome first Ukrainian pilots for training in early 2024

France is set to extend its support to Ukraine in the coming year, offering training programs for Ukrainian pilots and ongoing courses for servicemen. Additionally, France will supply weapons and equipment to Ukraine, as outlined in the annual report by the French Armed Forces Ministry, summarizing 22 months of military assistance.

“The first pilots will arrive at the beginning of 2024. After the initial training in France, they will continue training on fighter aircraft as part of the training courses organized by our partners,” the report reads, according to Ukrinform.

Although France does not have F-16 fighter aircraft, which are intended for Ukrainian pilots, the available information from Ukrinform suggests that pilot training will be conducted using France’s Air Force Alfa Jet aircraft.

Also, French military experts will continue providing training to Ukrainian soldiers under the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM) as these programs are set to continue into 2024, with plans to expand into other domains, including naval and aerial operations.

France is currently training 200 Ukrainian soldiers each month in combined arms warfare, specialized areas such as demining, and equipment operation. Additionally, some 600 Ukrainian soldiers are provided training in Poland. France plans to have trained approximately 8,000 Ukrainian soldiers in 2023, constituting about a quarter of the EUMAM’s total training efforts.

France supports Ukraine through three main channels: providing weapons and equipment, actively participating in military training programs, and establishing financial mechanisms for Kyiv to directly acquire equipment.

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