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France Will Deliver Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets to Ukraine in Early 2025.
The planned delivery of Mirage 2000 jets to Ukraine by France in the first quarter of 2025 represents a significant step in the military assistance provided by Europe to Kyiv. This initiative, announced on Twitter by Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, underscores France’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine's aviation capabilities amid the specific challenges posed by the conflict with Russia. Originally designed for air defense missions, the Mirage 2000 jets are currently being modified to include advanced air-to-ground combat capabilities and reinforced electronic warfare protection.
The Mirage 2000-5 is a fighter jet developed and produced by France. (Picture source: NATO)
These upgrades reportedly include air-to-ground munitions such as the SCALP missile, which the Ukrainian forces already use on compatible platforms. This long-range missile is particularly valuable for precision strikes on distant infrastructure and strategic positions, addressing the requirements of modern warfare, where precision and the ability to neutralize Russian air defenses are crucial.
France is also ensuring that future operators of these aircraft are well-prepared. Ukrainian pilots and technicians are undergoing training at the air bases in Cazaux and Nancy, allowing them to master the technical subtleties of the Mirage 2000. This training program runs parallel to similar training provided to Ukrainian pilots on F-16 jets by other European allies, such as the Netherlands and Denmark, which have also decided to supply aircraft to Ukraine.
The number of aircraft that Paris intends to deliver remains confidential, but this initiative symbolizes strategic support at a time when Kyiv is strengthening its positions against intensified Russian offensives. It also demonstrates enhanced military cooperation between France and its European allies in a unified approach to bolster Ukraine’s defense. Beyond its purely offensive capabilities, the Mirage 2000-5 equipped for electronic warfare represents a critical defensive asset, capable of resisting jamming systems and cyberattacks, tactics commonly employed by Russia in this asymmetric conflict.
The Mirage 2000-5 is an advanced fighter jet developed to provide high flight performance and versatility in aerial combat. Equipped with integrated air brakes, the aircraft can drastically reduce its flight speed through special flaps, allowing it to maneuver effectively in combat or quickly adjust its approach speed during landing. For safe landings, even on short runways, it is equipped with a drag chute for rapid deceleration.
Powered by a low-bypass SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine with afterburner, the Mirage 2000-5 reaches an impressive maximum speed of 2,453 km/h at an altitude of 12,000 meters, ensuring high mobility and rapid interception capability. The aircraft can climb to altitudes of up to 16,000 meters, a critical factor for air superiority and high-altitude defense missions. Its maneuverability is reflected in its optimized turn time of around 23.9 seconds in upgraded configuration, enabling quick and agile maneuvers in close aerial combat.
The structural configuration of this aircraft, with an empty mass of 7,550 kg and a maximum take-off weight of 14,105 kg, ensures efficient load distribution even with full fuel and no armament, maintaining excellent wing load balance and stability during flight. This fighter is also equipped with a countermeasures suite that includes thermal flares and chaff, effective against infrared and radar-guided missiles, which enhances its survivability in hostile environments.
Finally, designed for demanding and fast-paced operations, the Mirage 2000-5 can reach an optimal climb rate of 238.1 meters per second, allowing it to rapidly gain altitude to intercept threats or evade attacks. Altogether, the Mirage 2000-5 embodies a blend of power, speed, and maneuverability, in addition to its defensive and survival capabilities, making it an ideal fighter for air superiority missions.
The announcement of this delivery, scheduled for 2025, thus fits into a context in which Ukraine is receiving diversified support in advanced weaponry, helping to address tactical gaps and strengthen its resilience in the ongoing conflict with Russia.