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France Confirms Delivery of Six Mirage 2000-5F to Ukraine Impacting French Air Force Readiness.
In response to increasing demands for military support for Ukraine, the French government has officially confirmed the upcoming delivery of six Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF). This decision marks a significant step in French support, particularly as the Mirage 2000-5F aircraft, still in service with the French Air and Space Force (AAE), were initially scheduled to remain operational until 2029.
The Mirage 2000-5F is a supersonic fighter jet designed specifically for air defense by the French Air and Space Force. (Picture source: French MoD)
The transfer process was set in motion following an announcement by President Macron in June 2024, who at that time indicated an intention to provide Mirage 2000-5Fs to Ukraine. These jets will undergo technical modifications, including the addition of air-to-ground munitions capabilities and enhancements to their electronic warfare systems, aiming to adapt them to Ukraine’s specific operational needs. The first deliveries are scheduled for the first half of 2025, allowing time for Ukrainian pilots and technicians to complete their training.
This aircraft transfer takes place as Ukraine also receives F-16 fighters from allied nations, making maintenance and logistical support a crucial aspect, especially for such a heterogeneous fleet. A "complete support model" will be implemented to accompany the use of these Mirage 2000-5Fs, according to Member of Parliament Frank Giletti, who confirmed the transfer in his budget report.
However, this operation has significant consequences for the AAE. Reducing the number of Mirage 2000-5Fs will increase operational demands on the Rafale fleet and upgraded Mirage 2000Ds, thus raising maintenance and operational readiness (MCO) costs and potentially impacting the availability of these aircraft. The French fighter fleet is already "optimized to the bare minimum," and these transfers will temporarily reduce the number of operational aircraft until the fifth tranche of Rafales in the F4 standard is fully delivered.
MP Giletti also emphasizes the importance of planning these new deliveries immediately to prevent a "capability gap" that could hinder the AAE's ability to fulfill its operational commitments by 2030. Under the current Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-2030, the AAE is slated to receive 48 modernized Mirage 2000Ds and 137 Rafales, totaling 185 combat aircraft. However, the recent loss of two Rafale Bs, coupled with the Mirage 2000-5 transfers, could temporarily reduce this number below the target set for the coming decade.
The Mirage 2000-5F is a supersonic fighter jet designed specifically for air defense by the French Air and Space Force. Entering service in 1999, it combines speed, agility, and firepower, able to conduct missions ranging from territorial defense to nuclear raid escort. Equipped with its RDY radar and MICA missiles, it is the first French fighter with "Fox 3" capability, enabling missile engagements without maintaining lock-on. This advanced system, paired with a modernized cockpit featuring five digital screens and a HOTAS control system, optimizes pilot responsiveness in combat.
Based in Luxeuil-les-Bains and Djibouti, the Mirage 2000-5F carries out air superiority and air policing missions, including in the Baltic States for NATO. Its success extends internationally, as it is also in service with Greece, Qatar, and Taiwan. Equipped with countermeasures such as the SABRE jammer and SPIRALE decoy launcher, it reaches speeds of Mach 2.2 and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, making it a valuable asset for French air defense.
This anticipated restructuring could impact the performance of French fighter pilots and the availability of an already highly demanded fighter fleet. Rafale deliveries will thus need to be rigorously planned to meet the demands of replacing the Mirage 2000-5 and 2000D, whose retirement is planned for 2035, to sustain the operational capabilities of the French Air and Space Force in the long term.