NORTH BAY, Ontario — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Ukrainian military pilots undergoing training in Canada on September 12, 2026, at the International Test Pilots School (ITPS), also known as the International Pilot Training School, at Jack Garland Airport in North Bay, Ontario.
Zelensky said the pilots are preparing to fly modern fighter jets, including the F-16 and Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen, to strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation. He said Ukraine is doing everything possible to protect its skies and praised the new generation of Ukrainian pilots, while thanking Canada, the instructors and the training center.
21 Pilots in Advanced Training
Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are currently enrolled in the program and have been training at the school since April 2025. They are flying Aero L-39 Albatros aircraft during the third and fourth phases of flight training, including Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT).
The training covers Western procedures and tactics, low-altitude navigation and formation flying before pilots move to modern combat aircraft. Flights take place nearly every day when aircraft are available and weather conditions permit.
The pilots also use advanced tactical simulators, including F-16 simulators, to practice flight, instrument and tactical scenarios without using actual aircraft.
During Zelensky’s visit, four L-39s flown by Ukrainian trainees conducted a flyover. Zelensky also sat in a flight simulator, where pilots explained the differences in handling, ergonomics, instrumentation and avionics between the L-39 and the Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft on which many Ukrainian pilots previously trained.
Instructors also briefed him on aircraft maintenance, life-support systems and pilot equipment.
Canada Provides C$389 Million in Support
The Canadian program covers more than pilot training. Ukrainian personnel are also being trained in aircraft maintenance, logistics, ground-support systems, life-support equipment, oxygen systems, ejection equipment, pilot flight suits and aviation English.
The first Ukrainian aviation personnel arrived in Canada in September 2024 for preparatory training.
Canada has allocated up to C$389 million for Ukrainian aviation personnel between 2024 and 2029, covering pilot training and related equipment and resources. The program operates under the multinational Air Force Capability Coalition.
Training for Ukraine’s Future Western Fighter Fleet
The training supports Ukraine’s transition from its Soviet-designed fighter fleet toward Western aircraft. Ukraine has already received F-16s from partner countries and is also preparing for the potential introduction of the Gripen.
In December 2025, Ukraine and Sweden discussed training Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel for the Gripen. Zelensky said Ukraine would have both F-16s and Gripens and that other aircraft could follow.
Some reports have indicated that donated Gripens could arrive in Ukraine in early 2027, while Ukraine has also discussed purchasing additional Gripen E aircraft.
ITPS was established in the United Kingdom in 1986 and moved its headquarters to Canada in 2001. The school provides flight-test, test-pilot and tactical training to military forces from more than 25 partner nations.
The school previously operated from London, Ontario, but moved its advanced tactical training to North Bay in July 2026 following concerns from Transport Canada about congested airspace after a near-miss incident.
Photos released by the Office of the President of Ukraine showed Ukrainian pilots flying L-39 aircraft, using simulators and training at the Canadian facility.
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