Throughout 2025, Ukraine trained nearly 100 pilot cadets who are expected to form the foundation of the country’s future Air Force.
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The information was released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, which highlighted the joint effort with international partners and national educational institutions to expand human resources in military aviation and unmanned systems units.
According to the ministry, a set of measures was implemented to strengthen the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, focusing both on the training of flight crews and on the qualification 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, aligned with current operational needs.
The training programs were adapted to real combat experience gained in recent years and structured in accordance with NATO interoperability standards. In addition to pilots, specialists from engineering and technical services responsible for aircraft operational readiness also received training abroad, as well as ground personnel in airfield services and logistics, and operators of special equipment focused on monitoring and reconnaissance systems.
In parallel with international training, Ukraine’s domestic military education system completed the training of nearly one hundred pilot cadets. According to the Ministry of Defense, these professionals are expected to 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, attesting to compliance with high professional standards.
Cooperation with Sweden and the Gripen
In December, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, discussed with his Swedish counterpart the start of training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians to operate Gripen fighter jets. The talks followed the signing, in October 2025, of a letter of intent between Ukraine and Sweden regarding the possible delivery of up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The agreement provides not only for the supply of the aircraft, but also for pilot training, the formation of technical teams, and the establishment of a maintenance base in the country. The Gripen was selected by Ukrainian authorities for characteristics such as reliability, lower operating costs, and the ability to operate from short runways, considered suitable for Ukraine’s operational context. There is also an expectation of advancing, in the future, toward 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, [https://mod.gov.ua](https://mod.gov.ua) | 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.
