French fighters shine in takedown of Houthi drones in Yemen
French Mirage 2000-5F fighters have proven effective in countering Shahed drones used by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, reported that approximately 10 unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down. A video also surfaced online showing the moment one of the fighters engaged a designated target.
These Mirage 2000-5F fighters demonstrated high effectiveness against Shahed drones in the Yemen region. According to "Militarny," the fighters shot down nearly ten such drones while patrolling the Red Sea.
French fighters vs. Shahed drones
Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, emphasized the effectiveness of the Mirage 2000-5F and Rafale in combating Shahed-type kamikaze drones. He noted that the experience of the crews and the quality of weapon systems once again proved their operational efficiency.
"I congratulate our combat crews who are participating in operations and have recently destroyed nearly ten drones, including over the Red Sea. The quality of our weapon systems and the experience of our crews have once again proven their operational effectiveness," remarked Gen. Bellanger.
It is worth noting that Ukraine also uses this type of fighter aircraft. The first French Mirage 2000-5Fs arrived in Ukraine on February 6, 2025. Ukrainian pilots, who completed training in France—French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the pilots completed training at the end of December 2024—will now participate in the defense of Ukrainian airspace.
France plans to provide Ukraine with between twelve and twenty Mirage 2000-5F fighters as part of military aid. Before delivery to Ukraine, these fighters will be modified to attack ground targets.
It is worth noting that Mirage 2000-5F fighters feature a single-engine design with a distinctive delta wing. This is a more advanced version equipped with modern weapon systems and a cockpit. The aircraft is over 49 feet long and has a wingspan of about 30 feet. It can operate at altitudes up to 62,000 feet.
With its enhanced systems, the Mirage 2000-5F is a versatile combat tool. It can carry a wide range of armaments, including AASM guided bombs and Mica air-to-air missiles. These fighters can also deliver long-range cruise missiles such as SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow. Thanks to its upgrades, the Mirage 2000-5F offers the Ukrainian army additional capabilities, strengthening their combat potential in the conflict with Russia.
