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First French Mirage 2000-5F Fighter Jets Delivered to Ukraine to Strengthen Its Air Defense Capabilities.
The first batch of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets promised by France to Ukraine has arrived on Ukrainian soil, marking a crucial step in French military assistance aimed at reinforcing Kyiv’s aerial capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. The announcement of this delivery was made on June 6, 2024, by the French Minister of Armed Forces, and the aircraft are now operational, with Ukrainian pilots on board who have undergone intensive training in France for several months. These aircraft will now contribute to the defense of Ukrainian airspace.
These fighters are equipped with MBDA MICA air-to-air missiles with radar and infrared guidance, providing an advantage in beyond-visual-range combat (Picture source: US DoD)
The Mirage 2000-5F, a multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation, is designed for air superiority and precision ground attack missions. France has committed to delivering up to twelve units of this aircraft, which stands out for its advanced radar, weaponry, and avionics. These jets represent a significant technological improvement compared to the Soviet-designed MiG-29 and Su-27 still in service with the Ukrainian Air Force. Equipped with the Thales RDI pulse-Doppler radar, the Mirage 2000-5F offers superior detection and tracking capabilities, enabling Ukrainian pilots to identify and engage targets at long range, including enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The armament of the Mirage 2000-5F is a key asset for Ukraine. These fighters are equipped with MBDA MICA air-to-air missiles with radar and infrared guidance, providing an advantage in beyond-visual-range combat. They can also carry the SCALP-EG cruise missile, capable of striking strategic targets over 250 km away. This deep-strike capability enables Ukraine to weaken Russian infrastructure and rear bases, thereby reducing its operational reach. Additionally, the Mirage 2000-5F is compatible with AASM Hammer-guided bombs, allowing precision strikes against mobile and fortified targets.
Ukrainian pilots and technicians have undergone extensive training in France to ensure optimal handling of these aircraft. Training began in mid-2024 and included advanced modules on piloting, weapons systems, and maintenance. Simultaneously, Ukraine has established the necessary infrastructure to maintain and sustain the Mirage 2000-5F in its operational environment. This preparatory phase was essential to ensuring these fighters could be integrated quickly and effectively into the Ukrainian Air Force.
The introduction of the Mirage 2000-5F into Ukraine’s air force represents a significant strategic shift in the regional balance of power. More agile and efficient than the MiG-29 and Su-27, it provides Ukraine with an expanded operational capability, with increased range allowing for longer and more complex missions. This fighter offers improved maneuverability and advanced avionics, enhancing pilots' situational awareness and response time in combat. Its deployment also marks progress toward greater interoperability with NATO forces, strengthening Ukraine’s integration into Western operational standards.
Despite the arrival of the Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets, Ukraine faces increasing challenges, particularly in light of Donald Trump's election as President of the United States. The new U.S. administration has signaled its intention to reduce or even suspend military aid to Kyiv, placing Ukraine in a precarious position against Russian aggression. This situation further complicates Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, the prospect of reduced American support could weaken transatlantic solidarity, leaving Ukraine and Europe more exposed to Russian ambitions. In this context, Ukraine must not only integrate these new military assets effectively but also navigate an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape while seeking greater support from its other Western allies.