French mirage fighters to reinforce Ukrainian air defence
The French have announced that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics have been trained to operate Mirage 2000-5F fighters. Consequently, the aircraft will soon join the Ukrainian Air Force, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
The French Mirage 2000-5F fighters will soon bolster the Ukrainian air force, providing significant support in defence against Russia. The French army command announced that the six-month training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics had been completed, allowing for delivering these advanced multirole aircraft.
New opportunities for Ukraine
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the Mirage 2000-5F will appear over Ukraine within a few weeks. This fulfils the promise made by French President Emmanuel Macron to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June 2024. The delivery of six fighters is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
The decision to deliver Mirage 2000-5F fighters is part of broader military support from France for Ukraine. It also includes artillery, missiles, and air defence systems. Training Ukrainian personnel was crucial for integrating these aircraft with the existing fleet. Ukrainians are accustomed to working with slightly different units - hence the necessary preparation for pilots to take the controls of the Mirages.
French aircraft for Ukraine
With the new fighters, Ukraine is expected to enhance its air combat capabilities, which are crucial in the face of Russian dominance. The Mirage 2000-5F will enable precision attacks on strategic Russian Federation targets, among other things.
The Mirage 2000-5F is an advanced combat aircraft that will significantly strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Equipped with modern avionics and radar systems, it can carry a wide range of armaments, making it a versatile addition to Ukraine's arsenal.
The Mirage 2000 is a single-engine, multi-role fighter with a distinctive delta wing. It is over 15 metres long and has a wingspan of 9 metres. Dassault Aviation manufactured the aircraft from 1978 to 2007. Significant updates to the model included the Mirage 2000-5F, which was modernised in 1991 and is the version to be handed over to the Ukrainian army. The new version features an advanced cockpit and improved weapon systems, enabling various types of air-to-air weaponry.
