Mirage 2000 D
Ukraine has officially taken delivery of its first Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France, which represents a major upgrade to its aerial capabilities. French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed his arrival on Thursday, underscoring France’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defences against ongoing threats. This addition marks the second type of Western aircraft to join Ukraine’s fleet, following last year’s deliveries of F-16s from allied nations.
Arrival and Deployment
The Mirage 2000 jets landed on Ukrainian soil, ready for active service, with Ukrainian airmen who had trained in France over the past several months piloting them. Lecornu shared the news via a post on X, stating, “They will now participate in defending the skies of Ukraine.” The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine further validated the development by posting an image of a Mirage 2000 in Ukrainian livery, accompanied by the caption “Already in Ukraine.”
Strategic Advantages of Western Aircraft
One primary advantage of incorporating Western jets into Ukraine’s arsenal is their compatibility with NATO-standard weaponry. The Mirage 2000 is capable of deploying advanced munitions, including Scalp/Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs. Additionally, these aircraft can use legacy air-to-air missiles available in the inventories of Ukraine’s allied nations.
The introduction of the Mirage 2000 follows previous donations of F-16s from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. The Dutch government has announced plans to supply additional F-16s in 2025, further strengthening Ukraine’s air force.
France’s Commitment to Ukrainian Defense
In June, French President Emmanuel Macron first announced the transfer of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, although he withheld details at the time. France plans to supply a total of six Mirage 2000-5 jets, according to a budget document released in October by the defense committee of the French National Assembly. The first batch consists of three aircraft, equipped with MBDA’s Mica air-to-air missiles, Scalp cruise missiles, and Safran’s AASM Hammer guided bombs.
French publication La Tribune reported that these aircraft feature two 30 mm cannons and nine hardpoints for external munitions. Additionally, the Mirage 2000-5, originally designed as an air-superiority fighter, has undergone upgrades to enhance its air-to-ground combat capabilities and electronic warfare defences.
Background on the Mirage 2000
The Mirage 2000 first took to the skies in 1978, with the French Air Force introducing the air defense variant in 1984. Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, over 600 units have been produced, nearly half of which have been exported to nations such as Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, and Taiwan.
The Mirage 2000-5 boasts a combat mass of 9.5 tonnes, a maximum take-off weight of 17.5 tonnes, and can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2.2. Additionally, it can remain airborne for 2 hours and 40 minutes while operating 150 nautical miles from its base.
France is gradually phasing out the Mirage 2000 in favour of the Rafale, with plans to retire the Mirage 2000-5 by 2029 and the Mirage 2000D by 2035.
Operational and Financial Considerations
Operating a Mirage 2000 comes with notable costs. A French Senate report from October estimated its operational expenses at approximately €17,000 per flight hour. For comparison, a 2022 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the F-16 cost $26,927 per flight hour in 2020.
France’s Expanding Defense Budget
Along with military aid for Ukraine, France continues to invest in its defense infrastructure. Lecornu announced that the French Parliament had approved the 2025 defense budget, raising spending to €50.5 billion—an increase of €3.3 billion from the previous year.
This budget includes provisions for major acquisitions, such as 14 additional Rafale fighter jets, 308 vehicles under the Scorpion modernisation programme, and a substantial stock of Aster missiles for air defence. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for France’s next-generation aircraft carrier, a cornerstone of its future military strategy.
As Ukraine integrates the Mirage 2000 into its air force, this delivery marks another milestone in the ongoing military cooperation between Kyiv and its Western allies. The aircraft will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to safeguard its airspace while reinforcing its alignment with NATO military standards.
References
- Defense News – “France Delivers First Mirage 2000 Jets to Ukraine” https://www.defensenews.com
- Reuters – “Ukraine Receives Mirage 2000 Fighters Amid War Effort” https://www.reuters.com
- The Aviationist – “Mirage 2000 Jets Join Ukraine’s Air Force” https://theaviationist.com
- France 24 – “France Strengthens Ukraine’s Air Power with Mirage 2000 Delivery” https://www.france24.com
