In Canada, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Ukrainian military pilots training at the International Test Pilots School in North Bay.
The Head of State was welcomed at the military base with a demonstration flight by four L-39 aircraft piloted by Ukrainian trainees. Afterward, Volodymyr Zelensky himself had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of an aircraft simulator. The Ukrainian pilots explained the specifics of operating this type of aircraft, as well as the similarities and differences between its controls and those of Ukrainian aircraft.
At the training center, the President was briefed on the pilot training process, including how aircraft maintenance and support are carried out, how life-support systems for aviation personnel operate, and how pilots are equipped.
Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with the Ukrainian pilots about their training. According to them, they fly virtually every day, depending on the number of aircraft available.
“We are very proud that Ukraine and our Armed Forces have a generation of young pilots like this. We thank everyone who, along the way, through your training and at the training grounds, helps each of you reach new heights,” the President said.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine is proud of the pilots who defend Ukrainian skies.
“We really want you to gain this kind of experience – modern experience. We already have not only F-16s; we’ll also have Gripens this year. There will be some other aircraft over time as well. But what is probably most important is the level of our pilots,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The President highlighted that experienced foreign specialists are working with the Ukrainian pilots and thanked them for their work and assistance.
Since April 2025, the school has been training Ukrainian pilots to transition to F-16s and Gripens. There are currently 21 Ukrainian military personnel training there. They fly L-39 jet aircraft and are completing the third and fourth phases of flight training before beginning training on foreign-made combat aircraft.
The International Test Pilots School specializes in training test pilots, flight test engineers, and military pilots. The school was founded in the United Kingdom in 1986 and moved to Canada in 2001. The center trains members of the armed forces and the aviation industry from more than 25 countries.
