France is preparing a new defence package for Ukraine, with Ukrainian pilots set to begin training on French Rafale fighter jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Zelensky disclosed this on Monday after a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, saying the two leaders discussed Russia’s ongoing attacks and Ukraine’s defence needs.
“New defence deliveries are now being prepared, and we expect a new package to arrive in Ukraine soon,” Zelensky said in a post on X.
He said the two leaders also discussed the contents of the package, while Ukrainian pilots would begin training on Rafale aircraft in France “in the near future”.
Zelensky said the training would strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation capabilities as the country continues its war with Russia.
He also said Ukraine and France were working to localise the production of French missiles and aerial bombs in Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, the two countries are also preparing the FREYJA system and discussed ways to accelerate work on the project.
Macron said separately that he had spoken with Zelensky to reaffirm France’s solidarity and support for Ukraine, adding that they reviewed concrete forms of French assistance to help Ukraine counter Russian drone attacks.
France and Ukraine had earlier agreed on a roadmap covering Rafale fighter jets, air defence systems and licensed production of French-designed weapons in Ukraine.
Under the July agreement, Ukraine announced an initial order of 16 Rafale aircraft, while the first Ukrainian pilots could begin training in France from 2026.
