Ukraine Deploys French Mirage 2000-5 Jets in Combat, Successfully Intercepts Russian Missiles

Ukraine has officially deployed its newly acquired French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets in combat for the first time, marking a significant enhancement in its air defense capabilities. The aircraft played a crucial role in intercepting Russian cruise missiles during a large-scale overnight assault, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on March 7, 2025.

During the attack, Russia launched nearly 70 missiles, including cruise and ballistic variants, along with approximately 200 attack drones. The strikes targeted critical energy infrastructure in multiple regions, including Odesa, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Ternopil, while also causing casualties in Kharkiv. Ukrainian air defenses, reinforced by Mirage 2000-5 and F-16 fighters, successfully intercepted several incoming threats, preventing further destruction.

The Mirage 2000-5 jets were part of a military aid package announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2024. France’s Ministry of Armed Forces confirmed that the first batch of aircraft arrived in early 2025, with Ukrainian pilots, trained for months in France, now actively operating them. Although the exact number of jets delivered remains undisclosed, reports suggest an initial batch of three was expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the aircraft had been customized to meet Ukraine’s specific operational needs.

Originally designed as a multi-role fighter for air superiority missions, the Mirage 2000-5 underwent extensive upgrades before delivery. The aircraft were modified at France’s Cazaux Air Base, equipping them with air-to-ground capabilities, advanced electronic warfare systems to counter Russian jamming, and compatibility with SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Additionally, the Mirages were outfitted with MICA air-to-air missiles and AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs, enhancing their versatility for both defensive and offensive operations.

The deployment of the Mirage 2000-5 marks a significant boost to Ukraine’s air defense network. As the war intensifies, these French-built jets, alongside Western-supplied F-16s, provide Ukraine with an improved capability to intercept aerial threats and conduct precision strikes, further strengthening its resilience against Russian aggression.