French Mirages to boost Ukraine's air defense power
French Mirage fighters will soon enhance Ukrainian air defense, offering unique capabilities that F-16s lack, according to Dmytro Zhmailo, co-founder of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation think tank, as quoted by the Ukrainian agency Unian.
The Ukrainian armed forces use F-16 fighters, but their numbers are limited, affecting their overall effectiveness. As Dmytro Zhmailo emphasizes, F-16s are primarily used in anti-aircraft defense, effectively combating missiles and drones.
F-16s are not sufficient support
Zhmailo points out that although F-16s are also utilized against strike aviation, their numbers are inadequate to serve as a key element of defense. "F-16s operate, but their impact cannot be considered a significant separate element because we have very few of them," the expert said.
Since F-16s are not currently sufficient support for Ukrainian aviation, the local arsenal will soon be reinforced with additional aircraft—French Mirages. The new fighters are expected to be deployed by the end of March 2025.
"They are not as agile and fast as the F-16s," but their great advantage, aside from also serving as part of air defense, is that they can carry Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which the F-16s cannot," claims Zhmailo. "Considering that we use this Western-designed weaponry on our MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, it will be an excellent reinforcement," he added. According to the expert, Mirage fighters are effective against cruise missiles and Shaheds.
Mirage 2000 fighters
The Mirage 2000 is a versatile fighter developed by Dassault Aviation, characterized by its delta wing design and powered by a single engine. This French aircraft is over 49 feet long, with a wingspan of approximately 30 feet. It can fly at altitudes reaching up to 62,000 feet.
The Mirage 2000-5F, which will be transferred to Ukraine, entered service in 1991 and represents one of the key upgrades in this aircraft line. They are equipped with modernized cockpits and advanced combat systems. These machines will be able to use French AASM glide bombs, already familiar to Ukrainian pilots, and will also have the capability to use advanced Mica air-to-air missiles.
