France delivers advanced Mirage jets to boost Ukraine's defense
The French have announced that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics have been trained to operate Mirage 2000-5F fighters. Consequently, the aircraft will soon join the Ukrainian air force, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
The French Mirage 2000-5F fighters are poised to bolster the Ukrainian air force, providing significant support in defense against Russia. The French army command announced that the six-month training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics has been completed, paving the way for delivering these advanced multirole aircraft.
New opportunities for Ukraine
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the Mirage 2000-5F will appear over Ukraine within a few weeks. This development fulfills the promise made by French President Emmanuel Macron to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June 2024. Six fighters are expected to be delivered by mid-2025.
The decision to deliver Mirage 2000-5F fighters is part of France's broader military support for Ukraine, including artillery, missiles, and air defense systems. Training Ukrainian personnel was crucial for integrating these aircraft with the existing fleet. Ukrainians are accustomed to working with slightly different units, hence the necessity of preparing pilots to take control of the Mirages.
French aircraft for Ukraine
With the new fighters, Ukraine is expected to enhance its air combat capabilities, which are crucial given Russian dominance. The Mirage 2000-5F will enable precision attacks on the Russian Federation's strategic targets.
The Mirage 2000-5F are advanced combat aircraft that will significantly strengthen Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Equipped with modern avionics and radar systems, they can carry a wide range of armaments, making them a versatile addition to Ukraine's arsenal.
The Mirage 2000 is a single-engine multirole fighter with a distinctive delta wing. It is over 49 feet long and has a wingspan of 30 feet. Dassault Aviation manufactured the aircraft from 1978 to 2007. Significant updates to the model included the Mirage 2000-5F, which was modernized in 1991 and is the version set to be handed over to the Ukrainian army. The new version features an advanced cockpit and improved weapon systems, enabling the use of various types of air-to-air weaponry.
