France Delivers First Batch of Mirage 2000-5 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

In a significant development for Ukraine’s defense capabilities, France is set to deliver the first batch of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets by January 20, 2025. Reports suggest that the initial shipment will include three to six aircraft, marking a critical addition to Ukraine’s air force amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. These jets, originally part of the French Air and Space Force, have undergone substantial upgrades to enhance their operational capabilities.

Advanced Specifications of Mirage 2000-5

The Mirage 2000-5 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet designed and manufactured by Dassault Aviation. Known for its agility and combat effectiveness, this aircraft offers the following key specifications:

• Engine: Powered by a single Snecma M53-P2 turbofan engine, generating 64 kN (kilonewtons) of thrust dry and 95.1 kN with afterburners.
• Speed: Capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 (approximately 2,336 km/h or 1,452 mph).
• Range: Offers a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometers, extendable with external fuel tanks.
• Armament: Equipped with two DEFA 554 30mm cannons and can carry up to 6.3 tons of payload, including air-to-air missiles (like the MICA), air-to-ground weapons, and long-range SCALP-EG or Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
• Avionics: Features advanced radar systems, including the RDY-2 multi-target radar, and a state-of-the-art glass cockpit for superior situational awareness.

These upgrades have been implemented by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), ensuring the aircraft’s compatibility with modern warfare requirements.

Strategic Implications of the Delivery

The Mirage 2000-5 jets are expected to replace Ukraine’s aging Soviet-era Su-24 bombers, significantly enhancing its air force’s operational effectiveness. Smaller and lighter than the MiG-29 or Su-27, the Mirage jets offer superior maneuverability and precision-strike capabilities, making them ideal for the dynamic demands of modern aerial combat.

The delivery also highlights the deepening defense partnership between France and Ukraine. Negotiated through sustained diplomatic efforts by French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the deal underscores France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Operational Readiness

Reports indicate that Ukrainian pilots have already commenced training flights with the Mirage 2000-5 jets, and the first operational sorties are expected soon after their formal delivery. These aircraft, coupled with long-range cruise missiles already in Ukraine’s arsenal, such as the SCALP-EG, provide an extended operational reach. This capability allows Ukraine to launch precision strikes on critical targets deep within Russian-held territory, enhancing its offensive and defensive strategies.

A Milestone for European Defense Contributions

This delivery marks the first instance of European-designed and manufactured fighter jets being supplied to Ukraine, complementing earlier transfers of American-made F-16s. The inclusion of the Mirage 2000-5F diversifies Ukraine’s air force, integrating advanced Western technologies and bridging gaps in its aerial combat capabilities.

The Mirage jets, like the previously supplied Caesar howitzers and AMX-10RC armored vehicles, reflect France’s steadfast support for Ukraine amid its fight against Russian aggression. As Ukraine continues to modernize its military assets with international support, the arrival of these jets represents a critical step in strengthening its air power and deterring adversarial threats.

This development not only reinforces Ukraine’s defense posture but also showcases the broader international effort to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of aggression.