France gears up to send Mirage 2000 jets to Ukraine by 2025
In early October this year, the French authorities confirmed that preparations are underway to transfer Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine. However, they did not disclose any specific details related to this, and media reports now suggest that only a few such aircraft may actually reach the front line.
The announcement regarding the transfer of Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine was made by the French Minister of Defence Sébastien Lecornu, who stated that the aircraft will be deployed by the first quarter of 2025. An article in the economic journal "La Tribune" suggested that, contrary to expectations, the promised support for Ukraine may be limited. This is not due to the capabilities of the fighters, which remain significant, but because of the limited stock and France's plans for its air force.
How many Mirage 2000 fighters will Ukraine receive?
Regarding the transfer to Ukraine, specific versions of the French fighters are being considered—namely, the Mirage 2000-5. "La Tribune" indicates that the French air force has between 26 and 27 units (depending on the source), but it aims to retain at least one squadron. This suggests that Ukraine may receive only six Mirage 2000-5 fighters.
The Ukrainian portal Defense Express connects hopes for a larger transfer with the influence of the French president and his ambitions. Emmanuel Macron publicly mentioned the Mirage 2000 fighters intended to bolster the Ukrainian army several months ago. It is possible that he will endeavour to form a "Mirage 2000-5 coalition", which could result in additional fighters being obtained from other countries. However, the list of potential coalition partners is not extensive. According to French and Ukrainian media, the optimistic scenario for Ukraine would be to acquire 12 Mirage 2000-5 units.
Mirage 2000-5 for Ukraine: heavily armed
The Mirage 2000-5 is an attack version of this French aircraft, developed in the 1990s and based on the Mirage 2000N. The fighter, with its delta wing design, measures over 46 feet in length and can reach speeds of over 1,553 mph, with an altitude ceiling of 55,800 feet.
Ukraine is most likely to receive the Mirage 2000-5 in the D variant, which includes equipment such as the Antilope radar for terrain-following, night vision goggles, and the Sabre electronic warfare system (EWS), along with substantial armament. This includes two DEFA 554 30 mm cannons and weapons carried on nine pylons. Overall, this French fighter can bear over 6.6 tonnes of armaments, including, for instance, SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
The French Minister of Defence, Sébastien Lecornu, revealed that the Mirage 2000-5s being prepared for Ukraine would be adapted to "new air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons." Przemysław Juraszek, explained that this might involve AASM Hammer guided bombs or MBDA Meteor missiles.
