Breaking News: France to Deliver Three Mirage 2000-5 Fighter Jets and Missiles to Ukraine in Early 2025.

According to information published by the French newspaper “La Tribune” on October 23, 2024, France is set to deliver three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, a move that had not been previously disclosed. This decision represents France's latest support for Ukraine’s defense, as the country continues to face the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Mirage 2000-5 on display at Le Bourget Air Show in 2007, showcasing its advanced capabilities in air combat and multirole missions. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

As explained by France's Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, the Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets will undergo necessary modifications and will not be ready for delivery until early next year. In a statement made on October 8, Lecornu highlighted that in addition to adapting the aircraft, extensive training will also be provided for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics, ensuring they are fully prepared to operate and maintain the sophisticated fighter jets.

These Mirage 2000-5 jets will also be armed with Mica air-to-air missiles, AASM bombs produced by Safran, and Scalp cruise missiles, significantly boosting Ukraine’s air combat capabilities.

The Mirage 2000-5 is a multirole fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation, known for its versatility and advanced avionics. Originally introduced in the 1980s, the aircraft has seen various upgrades over the years, making the 2000-5 variant one of the most capable in the Mirage series. The jet is designed for air superiority missions, but it can also perform ground attack roles, offering a well-rounded capability for modern warfare. Equipped with a powerful radar system and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the Mirage 2000-5 can operate effectively in both offensive and defensive roles, with enhanced precision in target acquisition.

Mica Air-to-Air Missiles: The Mica (Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien) is a highly advanced air-to-air missile developed by MBDA, designed for both short- and medium-range engagements. It comes in two versions: one guided by active radar (Mica RF) and another by infrared homing (Mica IR). This dual-capability makes the Mica missile versatile in various combat situations, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements. It provides the Mirage 2000-5 with the ability to target enemy aircraft with high accuracy, even in challenging environments, making it a critical part of the jet’s air superiority arsenal.

AASM Bombs and Scalp Cruise Missile: The AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire), developed by Safran, is a modular air-to-ground weapon system that allows precision targeting over long distances. It can be equipped with various guidance kits, including GPS and infrared, enabling it to strike stationary or moving targets with high precision. The Scalp cruise missile, on the other hand, is a long-range, stealthy missile designed for deep strikes. With a range of over 250 km, the Scalp can penetrate heavily defended areas, targeting key infrastructure with minimal risk to the launch platform. These weapons enhance the Mirage 2000-5’s strike capabilities, making it highly effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

While the French government has been actively supporting Ukraine, both the Élysée and the Ministry of Armed Forces had previously remained tight-lipped about specific military aid in the form of these jets. When questioned by La Tribune, the Ministry of Armed Forces declined to comment further on the deal's details.

This delivery of Mirage 2000-5 jets underscores France's continued commitment to Ukraine, but also raises questions about the broader implications for the conflict and Europe's defense strategy. Adding advanced weaponry to these jets will give Ukraine a stronger strategic edge, further intensifying the evolving dynamics in the region.