France pledges Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine amid supply constraints
President of France Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine. It is still unknown how many such aircraft will appear over Ukraine. However, "La Tribune" reports that France will be able to provide only a small number of Mirage 2000-5 fighters, as it has a limited arsenal itself.
The announcement of the Mirage 2000-5 fighters delivery to Ukraine has garnered a lot of attention. Alongside the previously promised F-16 fighters, the French planes are expected to help Ukraine defend its land and airspace more effectively against the Russians.
However, neither the number of aircraft being prepared for delivery nor the timing of their transfer to the front has been confirmed. Macron only mentioned that pilot training could begin as early as summer.
France doesn't have many Mirage 2000-5 fighters
The weekly "La Tribune" reports that France can deliver no more than six Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Ukraine, and the rest must be sourced from other countries.
The French Air Force has only 26 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft. The remaining units are older versions such as Mirage 2000B, Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000D, and Mirage 2000N. If Paris wants to maintain at least one squadron (20 aircraft) at home, it cannot deliver more than six fighters.
The French weekly believes that Ukraine could count on a delivery of 12 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft. Similar machines are also used by Qatar and Taiwan.
What does the Mirage 2000-5 fighter offer?
The Mirage 2000 is a French multi-role fighter aircraft that has been produced in various modifications. The Mirage 2000-5 is a highly modernised multi-role version (in France, it is designated Mirage 2000-5F).
The Mirage 2000-5 has a length of over 15 metres, a height of nearly 6 metres, and a wingspan of 9 metres. It is equipped with a twin-engine afterburner SNECMA M-53, allowing it to reach a top speed of Mach 2.35. The aircraft's maximum altitude is 19,800 metres, and its range is 3,860 kilometres.
The Mirage 2000-5 uses a new suspension arrangement. The fighter can carry air-to-air missiles (including MBDA MICA IR/RF), air-to-ground missiles, and bombs. Additional equipment includes the Sabre electronic warfare system (WRE) and flare dispensers designed to enhance the aircraft's safety by misleading opponents.
