Ukrainian forces deploy French Mirage jets to counter Russia
On the night of March 6 to 7, Ukrainian aviation used French Mirage fighters for the first time to repel an air attack conducted by the Russians.
After the Mirage fighters arrived in Ukraine, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that these aircraft would become "a new element of protecting Ukrainian skies." It remains a secret how many Mirage fighters have reached the front, but there is no doubt that they are already supporting the Ukrainian Air Force. Until now, the Ukrainian Air Force could only use one type of Western combat aircraft—F-16 fighters.
Mirage fighters already battling Russian aggression
"The enemy’s air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Fighter aircraft were also engaged, including F-16s and Mirage 2000s. It is noteworthy that the French fighters, which arrived in Ukraine just a month ago, participated in combat operations for the first time," the Ukrainian Air Force wrote on their Telegram profile.
The use of Mirage fighters against the Russians was also confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Today, F-16 fighter jets and Mirage aircraft provided by France were used to protect Ukrainian skies. In particular, the Mirages successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles. Thank you!" he wrote on his X profile.
Which Mirage variant did Ukraine receive?
Ukraine received the Mirage 2000-5F variants, considered one of the most significant upgrades of this French fighter. Notably, before being sent to the front, the aircraft underwent several additional modifications, which enhanced their combat capabilities. They were equipped with better electronic warfare systems and adapted to carry a wider range of armaments, including French AASM glide bombs, which have been supplied to Ukraine for many months, as well as Mica air-to-air missiles.
The standard armament of these French fighters includes two DEFA 554 cannons with a caliber of 30 mm. The Mirage 2000-5F is a single-engine fighter capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.2 and operating at an altitude of up to 62,000 feet.
