France bolsters Ukraine's air power with Mirage fighter jets
The French media reports that several Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets will arrive in Ukraine by January. These aircraft, specially modified for the ongoing conflict, will be the second NATO combat aircraft delivered to Ukrainian air forces after the F-16.
Initial information about the possible deployment of French fighter jets to Ukraine emerged back in 2023, but only in October 2024 was the preparation for such a transfer officially confirmed by the authorities in Paris. In December 2024, the training of Ukrainian pilots in operating the Mirage 2000-5F was completed.
Mirage 2000-5F jets will soon reach Ukraine
The Avions Legendaires portal reports that by 20 January, three Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets will arrive in Ukraine. Ultimately, there will be over a dozen of these jets present on the frontline, which, alongside the F-16 fighters already supplied to Ukraine for some time, will be the most advanced combat aircraft in Ukrainian aviation.
The Mirage 2000 is a single-engine multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation, notable for its distinctive delta wing. It is an aircraft with a length of over 15 metres and a wingspan of approximately 9 metres, and its pilot can operate at an altitude of up to 19,000 metres. The Mirage 2000-5F is one of the most significant modernisations, introduced into service in 1991, featuring a more advanced cockpit and improved weapon systems.
French fighter jets for Ukraine have been modified
The Ukrainians will additionally receive modified Mirage 2000-5F jets. French designers have prepared changes that will allow for the use of more types of weaponry, providing Ukrainian pilots of these aircraft with greater capabilities during attacks on Russian positions.
The Mirage 2000-5F transferred to Ukraine will be able to carry, among other munitions, French AASM glide bombs, with which Ukrainians already have experience and modern Mica air-to-air missiles. Additionally, these fighters will be able to transport long-range cruise missiles SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow, delivered respectively by France and the United Kingdom.
The best French weaponry in Ukraine
Avions Legendaires notes that the transfer of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine is the result of lengthy negotiations between Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Mirage 2000-5F jets will be one of the most valuable French contributions in Ukraine, alongside the mentioned long-range cruise missiles SCALP-EG, as well as the Caesar self-propelled howitzers appreciated by artillerymen and AMX-10RC vehicles.
