Ukraine in talks to acquire French Mirage 2000 fighter jets, boosts airforce strength

Zelensky's statement, as reported by Forbes, aligns with previous reports noting the Ukrainian government's request for French Mirage 2000 fighters. However, it remains unclear whether they are discussing the 2000C or 2000D variant of the fighters.

Forbes' website reads, "Most observers assume that the Ukrainians are targeting the Mirage 2000D, which French aircraft manufacturer Dassault has optimized for ground missions". The Ukrainian Air Force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, previously said: "it is possible that the combat capabilities of the Su-24M bombers will be supplemented by the Mirage 2000D".

The Mirage 2000 has long been the pillar of France's air forces. However, France is slowly replacing these with advanced Rafale fighters. Notably, the Mirage 2000, along with the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen and the American F-16, competed in Poland's "tender of the century" for multi-role fighters, but the F-16 eventually won.

The Mirage 2000 fighters have been in service in France since 1984, and the development of the Mirage 2000D, a two-seater model designed for ground attacks, commenced in the mid-90s. This machine evolved from modifying the Mirage 2000N prototypes designed for traditional and nuclear strikes.

The Mirage 2000D attack model can attain speeds exceeding 1242.74 mph. The Antilope 5 radar system, included in their equipment, offers high situational awareness. It allows for ground tracking, mapping, and navigation. These machines also feature the Sabre electronic warfare (EW) system and additional flare launchers.

The French multi-role Mirage 2000D aircraft are designed to carry various precision weapons. According to Przemysław Juraszek, a WP Tech journalist, these include SCALP-EG maneuvering missiles, competing with Storm Shadow, guided bombs from the GBU family, competing with JDAM, and AM.39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.