Ukraine trained, throughout 2025, almost 100 pilot cadets who should form the basis of the country’s future Air Force.
The information was released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, which highlighted the joint effort with international partners and national educational institutions to expand the human resources of military aviation and unmanned systems units.
According to the ministry, a set of measures aimed at strengthening the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was implemented, focusing on both the training of flight crews and the training of technical and support personnel. Within the framework of the so-called Aviation Coalition, several groups of Ukrainian pilots underwent training on modern aircraft manufactured abroad, in line with current operational needs.
The instructional programs were adapted to real combat experience gained in recent years and structured in accordance with NATO interoperability standards. In addition to the pilots, specialists from the engineering and technical service responsible for the operational readiness of the aircraft, ground personnel from the aerodrome service and logistics areas, as well as operators of special equipment focused on monitoring and recognition systems, also received training abroad.
In parallel with international training, the Ukrainian domestic military education system completed the training of almost one hundred pilot cadets. According to the Ministry of Defense, these professionals should play a central role in renewing the Air Force in the medium and long term.
As a result of qualification tests and examinations, aviation personnel received more than 400 state certificates, confirming compliance with high professional standards.
Cooperation with Sweden and Gripen
In December, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed with his Swedish counterpart the start of training Ukrainian pilots and technicians to operate Gripen fighters. The dialogue takes place after the signing, in October 2025, of an agreement of intent between Ukraine and Sweden for the possible delivery of up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The understanding foresees not only the supply of aircraft, but also the training of pilots, the formation of technical teams and the creation of a maintenance base in the country. The Gripen was selected by the Ukrainian authorities for characteristics such as reliability, reduced operating costs and the ability to operate from short runways, considered suitable for the Ukrainian operational context. There is also the expectation of moving forward, in the future, in the partial localization of the production of these aircraft.
Source and images: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine | Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Content created with the support of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Source and images: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, | Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Telegram @army_tv. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
