France has officially announced its plan to provide Ukraine with Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter jets, marking a significant addition to Kyiv’s growing air power.
The delivery of the delta-winged aircraft is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, following the recent arrival of F-16 fighters, making the Mirage 2000 the second Western-made fighter jet to be transferred to Ukraine.
In a statement on X, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu outlined the upgrades that the Mirage 2000 jets will receive before their deployment to Ukraine. These modifications include advanced electronic self-defense systems and undisclosed upgrades that will enable the aircraft to conduct air-to-ground missions. The work on these enhancements will take place at Cazaux Air Base in southwest France.
“France is committed to supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts, and the transfer of these Mirage 2000 fighters underscores our dedication,” Lecornu said.
The Mirage 2000 jets will be transformed from their original air policing role into versatile, multi-role combat aircraft tailored to Ukraine’s operational requirements. The upgrades are intended to enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike ground targets, offering flexibility in both air defense and offensive missions.
According to Avionslegendaires.net, France plans to transfer between 12 and 20 Mirage 2000-5F jets, with deliveries expected between January 1 and March 30, 2025. The exact number of aircraft will depend on operational availability and ongoing maintenance work.
The training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics is already underway, ensuring that by the time the jets are delivered, they will be ready for immediate operational use. These efforts come as part of France’s broader support for Ukraine’s defense forces, which have been modernizing their air fleet amidst ongoing conflict.
The Mirage 2000, which has proven effective in various theaters of combat, is seen as a valuable addition to Ukraine’s air fleet. Originally designed for air superiority missions, the upgraded jets will provide Kyiv with a much-needed edge in conducting air-to-ground operations, offering more flexibility in targeting enemy positions and defending key infrastructure.
The French initiative is part of a wider European effort to support Ukraine with advanced military equipment, following similar contributions from other NATO allies.