Ukraine receives its first French Mirage 2000-5F fighters, significantly improving its air defense and ground strike capabilities.
On February 6, 2025, Ukraine welcomed its first Mirage 2000-5F fighters from France. These aircraft, initially designed for air superiority, have been modified to incorporate air-to-ground strike capabilities and advanced electronic defense systems. This acquisition marks a crucial step in strengthening Ukrainian military capabilities in the face of current threats.
Details of Mirage 2000-5F delivery to Ukraine
On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine. Less than a year later, on February 6, 2025, the first of these fighters arrived in Ukraine, piloted by Ukrainian airmen trained in France. This delivery is part of France’s increased support for Ukraine, aimed at strengthening its air defense in the face of persistent threats.
Although the exact number of aircraft delivered has not been officially released for security reasons, sources indicate that France plans to supply a total of six Mirage 2000-5Fs to Ukraine. These aircraft, from French Air Force stocks, have been adapted to meet the specific needs of the Ukrainian theater.
Technical characteristics of the Mirage 2000-5F
The Mirage 2000-5F is a significant evolution of the Mirage 2000C, incorporating significant improvements in terms of avionics, weapons and defense systems. With a wingspan of 9.13 meters, a length of 14.35 meters and a height of 5.14 meters, it is powered by a SNECMA M53-P2 engine offering a maximum thrust of 98 kN with afterburner. The aircraft reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 and has an operating ceiling of 15,240 meters.
One of the main improvements on the Mirage 2000-5F is its RDY (Radar Doppler Multitarget) radar, capable of detecting and tracking up to eight airborne targets simultaneously. This radar also offers air-to-ground capabilities, enabling precise strike missions. In terms of weaponry, the aircraft is compatible with MICA air-to-air missiles, available in active radar (EM) and infrared (IR) versions, offering a maximum range of around 80 kilometers.
Modifications for Ukraine
Prior to delivery, the Mirage 2000-5Fs destined for Ukraine underwent modifications to improve their ground strike capabilities and survivability in the face of modern threats. These adaptations include the integration of advanced electronic warfare systems, such as the ICMS Mk2 system, which combines radar warning receivers, jammers and decoy launchers to enhance the aircraft’s protection against ground-to-air threats.
In terms of air-to-ground armament, although precise details have not been officially confirmed, it is likely that the aircraft will be equipped to deploy SCALP-EG cruise missiles, already used by Ukrainian Su-24s, as well as Hammer-type guided bombs. These munitions offer long-range strike capability, enabling Ukrainian forces to engage strategic targets while minimizing their exposure to opposing defenses.
Pilot training and operational implications
Mastering the Mirage 2000-5F requires extensive training for pilots and ground crews. According to reports, France trained an initial group of 26 Ukrainian pilots, the first cohort of whom completed their Alpha Jet training in September 2024. This training included modules on weapons systems, combat tactics and maintenance, ensuring a smooth transition to the operation of the new aircraft.
The introduction of the Mirage 2000-5F into the Ukrainian arsenal offers enhanced operational flexibility. Thanks to its multi-role capabilities, the aircraft can be deployed for air superiority, air defense and ground strike missions. This versatility enables Ukrainian forces to respond effectively to a variety of threats, reinforcing their defensive and offensive posture.
Strategic consequences of the delivery
France’s delivery of the Mirage 2000-5F is a strong signal on the international stage. It affirms Paris’ commitment to strengthening Ukrainian defense capabilities in the face of a prolonged conflict. This assistance could encourage other partners to speed up their own deliveries of military equipment to Kiev, particularly new-generation Western fighters.
The arrival of the Mirage 2000-5F also has a direct impact on Ukrainian operational strategy. Complementing the American F-16s, these fighters will expand Ukraine’s response capability against Russian air threats. Equipping Mirage fighters with MICA missiles increases their effectiveness in aerial combat, while the possibility of integrating SCALP-EG missiles strengthens the Ukrainian forces’ in-depth strike capability.
The acquisition of Mirage 2000-5F could pave the way for the integration of other Western weapons systems into the Ukrainian arsenal. Among the options under discussion is the possible transfer of Swedish Gripen C/D fighters, whose multi-role capabilities and compatibility with existing infrastructures could prove strategic for Kiev.
In addition, this Franco-Ukrainian collaboration in the aviation field could extend to advanced pilot training and the integration of European technologies in electronic warfare and air defense systems. The success of this delivery could also encourage other European nations to supply additional fighters to Ukraine, in order to close the technological gap in the face of the numerical superiority of the Russian air force.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.