In Canada, Ukrainian Pilots Prepare to Fly Gripen Fighter Jets

Live updates

1. 9d ago

   Ukraine to receive Swedish Gripen fighter jets

   President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will soon receive a batch of Swedish Gripen fighter jets. These aircraft will be the first of their type to enter the Ukrainian Air Force. This delivery follows the training of 21 Ukrainian pilots in Canada who are learning to operate the jets and transition from Soviet-era tactics. The arrival of the Gripens aims to strengthen air defense capabilities during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine is diversifying its air fleet with aircraft from multiple nations, including Rafale jets from France. This transition requires a massive overhaul of pilot training and technical support. The shift from Soviet hardware to Western platforms is a long-term strategic move to modernize the military.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukraine will receive a batch of Swedish Gripen fighter jets soon.
   • The Gripen aircraft will be the first of their kind in the Ukrainian Air Force.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine plans to acquire up to 250 Western fighter jets but faces hurdles regarding spare parts and airfield protection.

   What to watch next

   • The official delivery date of the first Gripen batch
   • The start of Rafale pilot training in November
   • Confirmation of Canada's F-35 contract status
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukraine to receive Swedish Gripen fighter jets soon — Zelenskyy
   2. ukrainetoday.org — Ukraine Set to Receive Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets Soon
   3. voennoedelo.com — Traffic News: 250 Western Jets Pose Problems for Ukraine
   confidence 90%
2. 15d ago

   Canada Trains 21 Ukrainian Pilots on Gripen Fighter Jets

   Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are training in Canada to operate Gripen fighter jets, focusing on transitioning from Soviet-era tactics to modern aircraft. This training comes as Ukraine prepares to receive fighter jets from various countries, including France, which will start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets in November. Canada is also considering its own fighter jet contract, with a $27.7B F-35 deal that has faced pressure from the US.

   Why it matters

   The training of Ukrainian pilots on Gripen fighter jets in Canada is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's military modernization. Ukraine has been seeking to upgrade its air force with modern fighter jets, and several countries have offered support. Canada's own fighter jet contract has been a subject of debate, with the US warning Canada about the potential consequences of backtracking on the F-35 deal.

   What is confirmed

   • Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are training in Canada to operate Gripen fighter jets.
   • France will start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets in November.
   • The US has warned Canada about the potential consequences of canceling the $27.7B F-35 fighter jet deal.
   • Canada has ordered 16 F-35s and is paying toward 14 more.
   • The first Gripen E fighter built in Brazil made its maiden flight on October 6, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Canada may cancel the $19B order for 88 F-35 jets.

   What to watch next

   • Canada's final decision on its fighter jet contract
   • The completion of Ukrainian pilot training on Gripen and Rafale fighter jets
   • The delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.wionews.com — Trump Administration pressures Canada over fighter jet contract
   2. www.newsbreak.com — The first Gripen E fighter built in Brazil made its maiden flight on Oct. 6 at Embraer’s Gavião Peixot....
   3. en.defence-ua.com — Ukrainian Pilots to Begin Rafale Training in November: Will ...
   4. www.europesays.com — France to start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale warplanes ...
   5. www.19fortyfive.com — The Lockheed Martin F-35 vs. Saab JAS 39 Gripen ... - 19FortyFive
   6. www.wionews.com — U.S. warns Canada over F-35 exit: 'Expect consequences' - WION
   confidence 90%
3. 20d ago

   Ukraine Pilots to Train on French Rafale Jets

   Ukrainian pilots will start training on French Rafale fighter jets in November, according to French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin. This training is part of a new defense package France is preparing for Ukraine. Meanwhile, twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are already training in Canada to operate Gripen fighter jets, focusing on transitioning from Soviet-era tactics to modern aircraft.

   Why it matters

   The training of Ukrainian pilots on advanced fighter jets is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russian aerial attacks. The Rafale and Gripen jets represent a significant upgrade from Ukraine's current fleet, which largely consists of Soviet-era aircraft. The international effort to support Ukraine's military capabilities comes as Russia continues its relentless assault on Ukrainian territory.

   What is confirmed

   • France will begin training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighter jets in November.
   • Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are training in Canada to operate Gripen fighter jets.
   • The training in Canada focuses on transitioning pilots from Soviet-era tactics to modern aircraft.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The first four Rafale jets are expected to be transferred to Ukraine once the initial training phase concludes.

   What to watch next

   • The start of Rafale training in November
   • The delivery of Rafale jets to Ukraine
   • The progress of Ukrainian pilots' training in Canada
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. kyivindependent.com — Ukrainian pilots to soon start training on French Rafale jets, Zelensky says
   2. www.kyivpost.com — Ukrainian Pilots Could Begin Training on French Rafale Jets ...
   3. www.defensenews.com — France to start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale warplanes ...
   4. www.yahoo.com — Ukrainian pilots to begin training on Rafale fighter jets in ...
   5. aviationnews.eu — France to Begin Training Ukrainian Pilots on Advanced Rafale ...
   6. eir.news — France To Begin Training Ukrainian Pilots on Rafale Fighter Jet
   confidence 95%
4. 24d ago

   Ukraine expands fighter jet training to include French Rafales

   Ukrainian pilots are preparing to train on French Rafale fighter jets as France develops a new defense package for Kyiv. This follows existing training for twenty-one pilots in Canada who are learning to operate Gripen fighters. While the Canada-based program focuses on transitioning pilots from Soviet-era tactics to modern aircraft, the French initiative may lead to the transfer of Rafale jets to Ukraine. The first four aircraft are expected once the initial training phase concludes.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine is diversifying its air force by training pilots on multiple Western fighter platforms. Transitioning from Soviet-era systems to modern jets requires extensive retraining to adapt to different cockpit technology and tactical doctrines.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukrainian pilots are preparing to train on Rafale fighter jets.
   • France is preparing a new defense package for Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • France may transfer the first four Rafale aircraft to Ukraine after training is complete.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of the start date for Rafale training
   • Details of the new French defense aid package
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. es.wikipedia.org — Canadá - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
   2. unn.ua — France has begun training Ukrainian pilots for Rafale fighter ...
   3. www.pravda.com.ua — Zelenskyy: Ukrainian pilots will begin Rafale fighter jet ...
   4. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukrainian pilots to start Rafale fighter jet training soon ...
   5. unn.ua — Ukrainian pilots will soon begin training on Rafale, Kyiv ...
   confidence 90%
5. 28d ago

   Ukrainian Pilots Train on Gripen Fighter Jets in Canada

   Ukrainian pilots are training in Canada to fly Gripen fighter jets as part of military cooperation efforts. The training program aims to adapt Ukrainian pilots from Soviet-era tactics to modern Gripen fighters. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to support Ukraine's military capabilities. The training is taking place in Canada, with twenty-one pilots currently enrolled.

   Why it matters

   The training of Ukrainian pilots in Canada is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The program involves adapting Ukrainian pilots from Soviet-era tactics to modern Gripen fighters. This cooperation is significant as it demonstrates the commitment of Canada and other countries to support Ukraine's defense and security.

   What is confirmed

   • Canada is a country in North America with ten provinces and three territories.
   • The training program for Ukrainian pilots on Gripen fighter jets is taking place in Canada.
   • Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are training in Canada for Gripen fighter jets.

   Still unconfirmed

   • France has begun work on training Ukrainian Rafale pilots.

   What to watch next

   • Completion of Ukrainian pilot training on Gripen fighter jets
   • Delivery of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine
   • Further military cooperation efforts between Canada and Ukraine
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Canada - Wikipedia
   2. www.canada.ca — Home - Canada.ca
   3. www.worldatlas.com — Canada Maps & Facts - World Atlas
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Provinces and territories of Canada - Wikipedia
   5. www.canada.ca — Visit Canada - Canada.ca
   6. ukrainetoday.org — Transforming Ukrainian Pilots: From MiG-29 to Gripen in Canada
   7. www.youtube.com — The Soviet Mindset: Why Unlearning Is the Hardest Part of ...
   8. austereaero.substack.com — From Sweden to Ukraine to France to Canada: The Saab and ...
   9. ontheworldmap.com — Canada Map | Detailed Maps of Canada
   10. mezha.net — Trump’s NATO Pressure Prompts Europe to Question US Guarantees and Seek Arms Alternatives
   11. migflug.com — Rafale Ukraine: France Trains Ukrainian Pilots | MiGFlug
   confidence 90%
6. 47d ago

   Ukrainian Pilots Train on Gripen Fighter Jets in Canada

   Ukrainian pilots are preparing to fly Gripen fighter jets in Canada as part of ongoing military cooperation efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Canada to seek further military assistance and air defense support, and he met directly with the Ukrainian pilots training in the country. During his visit, Zelenskyy also urged Canadian businesses to participate in the future reconstruction of Ukraine. In a separate political remark, he described recent Canada-U.S. tensions as strange, drawing a parallel to the strained relations between Ukraine and Russia.

   Why it matters

   The training sessions in Canada represent a critical step for Ukraine as it seeks to upgrade its air capabilities with advanced Western-style fighter jets. Zelenskyy's visit underscores Kyiv's continued reliance on international partners for both immediate defense hardware and long-term economic rebuilding. Canada has stepped forward to offer specific air defense support alongside these pilot preparations, deepening its bilateral security commitments to Ukraine.

   What is confirmed

   • Ukrainian pilots are in Canada preparing to fly Gripen fighter jets.
   • Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Canada to seek further military support and air defense backing.
   • Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian pilots during his trip to Canada.
   • Zelenskyy called on Canadian businesses to join in Ukraine's reconstruction.
   • Zelenskyy described Canada-U.S. tensions as strange and compared them to Ukraine and Russia.

   What to watch next

   • Official delivery timelines or operational schedules for the Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.
   • Further announcements regarding Canadian air defense packages or reconstruction investments.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. AP News — Zelenskyy visits Canada to seek further military support for Ukraine
   2. The Guardian — Canada offers air defense support for Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits
   3. CBC — Zelenskyy describes Canada-U.S. tensions as 'strange,' draws comparison to Ukraine and Russia
   4. Мілітарний — In Canada, Ukrainian Pilots Prepare to Fly Gripen Fighter Jets
   5. Ukrinform — Zelensky calls on Canadian businesses to join Ukraine's reconstruction
   6. Ukrinform — Zelensky meets Ukrainian pilots in Canada
   confidence 100%