The latest cohort of Ukrainian student pilots has graduated from the Royal Air Force’s Elementary Flying Training programme, in a ceremony attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, and Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice Marshal Sharrocks.
The training delivered to Ukrainian students covers elementary flying training, qualified instructor training, and qualified helicopter instructor training, delivered through a collaborative effort between the RAF and NATO partners. As of April 2026, a number of Ukrainian pilots have also completed Fast Jet Lead-in training under RAF instructors, while several have passed Central Flying School instructor courses to qualify as flying instructors and helicopter instructors in their own right.
A significant number of Ukrainian personnel, including pilots and aircraft maintainers, have additionally received English language training as part of the programme.
The training journey began three years ago, with an initial emphasis on both general and aircrew-specific English language skills before progressing to flying instruction. The elementary phase focuses on developing hand-eye coordination, stick control, and the foundational ethos expected of fast jet aviators, preparing students to move on to advanced fast jet training at other locations.
Flight Lieutenant Dayle, an RAF Elementary Flying Training instructor, reflected on the experience of teaching the Ukrainian students. “The standard expected of the course is the standard. I feel very privileged to be in this position. It is having a real world order affect teaching these students and seeing what is going on in their country every day, it’s very admirable.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth drew a direct parallel between Ukraine’s current situation and Britain’s own wartime history. “As aviators, we share the same fighting spirit which allows us to combat aggression and to protect all that we value. From our own history in the UK, we understand clearly perhaps more than most how powerful the few can be against the many. We’ve had our Battle of Britain and you are having yours at this moment, and we will help you to win that.”
The programme forms part of the UK’s contribution to the Air Force Capability Coalition, co-led by the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which is working to equip the Ukrainian Air Force with modern fighter jets.
