French Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets have demonstrated strong performance in countering Houthi-operated Shahed-type drones while patrolling the skies over Yemen.
The Militarnyi news agency quoted the French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff General Jérôme Bellanger who said that the aircraft successfully intercepted and destroyed approximately ten drones in recent operations.
“The Ukrainian Armed Forces have received the first Mirage 2000-5 fighters transferred by France. These jets will play a direct role in Ukraine’s defense,” General Bellanger wrote. “In the French Air and Space Force, both the Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale have recently proven their effectiveness against Shahed-type suicide drones, which Ukrainian pilots will also have to confront.”
A recently released video showcases a pilot’s perspective of a Mirage 2000-5F shooting down a Shahed drone using an MICA air-to-air missile. The footage highlights the precision and rapid response capability of the aircraft in neutralizing aerial threats.
French military operations in Yemen have included these fighter jets as part of their broader efforts to maintain regional stability. On March 9, 2024, the French Armed Forces General Staff announced that as part of Operation ASPIDES, a French frigate and accompanying fighter jets intercepted four kamikaze drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemeni territory. The drones were reportedly targeting the multi-role frigate Alsace.
The success of the Mirage 2000-5F in these engagements further underscores its reliability as an air defense platform.
With France now supplying Ukraine with these aircraft, Ukrainian pilots will have access to a proven air defense tool against the increasing threat posed by Russian and Iranian-made drones. The Mirage 2000-5F’s success in Yemen suggests it will be a valuable asset in Ukraine’s efforts to counter the persistent drone warfare on its territory.