First Mirage 2000-5F fighter jet possibly spotted in Ukrainian airspace following French transfer.

On March 3, 2025, the Telegram account Sunflower shared a video reportedly showing a French Mirage 2000-5F in flight over Ukraine, possibly marking the first verified sighting of this aircraft in Ukrainian airspace. The transfer of these fighter jets follows France’s decision to provide Ukraine with additional air combat capabilities, modifying the aircraft to meet operational requirements and training Ukrainian personnel for their use. Initially designed as an air superiority fighter, the Mirage 2000-5F delivered to Ukraine has been upgraded to support air-to-ground missions.
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The Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets donated to Ukraine were modified to integrate air-to-ground capabilities, including the ability to deploy AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles, and were also equipped with electronic warfare systems to enhance their survivability. (Picture source: French Air Force and Telegram/Sunflower)

The transfer of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine was first announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on June 6, 2024, during a televised interview. He stated that France would supply Ukraine with Mirage 2000-5F jets and train 4,500 Ukrainian pilots, but did not specify the exact number of aircraft or whether they would come directly from French stocks or a third-party nation. The announcement was made during the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present. Macron reiterated that France aimed to assist Ukraine without escalating the conflict and emphasized that peace negotiations were not yet viable under the current circumstances.

Following the announcement, the details of the transfer were clarified. By October 2024, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that six Mirage 2000-5F aircraft would be delivered to Ukraine with a complete support package. These aircraft were modified at Cazaux to integrate air-to-ground capabilities, including the ability to deploy AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles. They were also equipped with electronic warfare systems and modifications to enhance their survivability. Training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics was conducted in France at the Nancy airbase, where squadron 2/3 Champagne provided instruction using seven Mirage 2000B trainer aircraft. The first three Mirage 2000-5F were scheduled for delivery in early 2025, with the full transfer completed within the first quarter of the year.

The reallocation of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine affected the structure of the French Air and Space Force. Before the transfer, 28 Mirage 2000-5F jets were in service, primarily assigned to the Groupe de Chasse 1/2 Cigognes and Escadron de Chasse 3/11 Corse. These units were responsible for air defense missions and operated from bases including Luxeuil-les-Bains and Djibouti. The reassignment of aircraft required adjustments to operational planning, increasing reliance on Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft for ongoing missions. French Air Force Chief of Staff General Stéphane Mille stated that the transfer would necessitate accelerating Rafale F4 deliveries to compensate for the reduced number of Mirage 2000-5F units. However, concerns were raised regarding the impact on France’s overall fighter availability, with estimates indicating a temporary decrease in operational aircraft.

The Mirage 2000 program was developed in the late 1970s as a replacement for the Mirage III and Mirage F1. It was designed as a single-engine, delta-wing fighter and first flew in 1978, entering service with the French Air Force in 1984. Initially intended as a lightweight air superiority fighter, it later evolved into multi-role configurations, including the Mirage 2000N for nuclear strike missions and the Mirage 2000D for conventional ground-attack roles. Over 600 Mirage 2000 aircraft were produced and entered service with multiple air forces, including those of Greece, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft has been deployed in various operations, including NATO-led air policing missions and international military interventions.

The Mirage 2000-5 variant was developed in the 1990s as an upgrade over earlier models, incorporating improvements in radar, avionics, and weapons systems. It features the Thales RDY radar, which enables multi-target tracking and improved situational awareness. The aircraft is capable of engaging multiple aerial threats simultaneously and supports MICA infrared and electromagnetic missiles. France upgraded part of its Mirage 2000C fleet to the Mirage 2000-5F standard, maintaining the aircraft’s air superiority role while integrating additional defensive and sensor enhancements. The Mirage 2000-5F has been used in air policing operations and was previously deployed in NATO missions.

The Mirage 2000-5F is equipped with a radar system that provides look-down/shoot-down capability and supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2, an operational ceiling of 15,240 meters, and a range that varies based on payload and mission requirements. The aircraft’s modifications for Ukraine include the integration of SCALP-EG cruise missiles and AASM guided bombs, increasing its capability for precision strikes. Additionally, electronic warfare enhancements improve its resistance to jamming and electronic countermeasures. The Mirage 2000-5F provides Ukraine with a multi-role combat aircraft that can be employed in both air defense and strike missions, complementing its existing fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and Western-supplied F-16 fighters.