France strengthens Ukraine’s skies: additional Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft expected

Ukraine expects an additional delivery of Mirage 2000-5 aircraft from France. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air capabilities, as the aircraft can effectively destroy cruise missiles and drones used for attacks, including Shahed.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine outlines what is known about these aircraft.

Mirage 2000 is a multirole fighter aircraft equipped with digital avionics. It features modern radar systems and electronic warfare equipment that significantly enhance its combat capabilities.

The Dassault Mirage aircraft Ukraine will receive are close to the 4++ class, exceeding the MiG-29 fighters currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Mirage aircraft are extensively modernised fourth-generation fighters whose combat capabilities, radar equipment, and manoeuvrability approach those of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. They have improved avionics and are lighter and more manoeuvrable than most similar aircraft. They can conduct combat missions at altitudes of up to 18 km.

Mirage 2000 aircraft are equipped with powerful radar systems and weapons, including high-precision Magic-2 missiles. This enables them to effectively detect and intercept low-observable cruise missiles and drones used for attacks, such as Shahed, Geran, and Gerbera. They can also neutralise enemy operational-tactical reconnaissance drones. Therefore, Mirage 2000 aircraft are important for countering russia’s aerial terror, one of the key priorities addressed in Ukraine’s War Plan.

In addition, the Mirage 2000’s weapon stations are compatible with a full range of NATO-standard air-launched weapons, allowing the aircraft to employ Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, AASM Hammer aerial guided bombs, and other types of armament.

Having such aircraft in service significantly strengthens Ukraine’s air defence, which is particularly important during large-scale missile and drone attacks by the aggressor.

To recap, the transfer of Mirage 2000 aircraft was discussed during a February meeting between Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin.