Ukrainian Mirage 2000-5F deliveries draw near
French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s willingness to provide an unspecified number of Mirage 2000s to Ukraine during the commemoration of the D-Day landings – an event attended by Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky. It was made clear that France would also provide a full support package, and would conduct six-month training courses for both pilots and ground crew.
The aircraft concerned are to be Mirage 2000-5Fs – used by the Armée de l’Air as pure air defence aircraft, though other operators already exploit the type’s multi-role and air-to-ground capabilities. Sébastien Lecornu noted that: “The Mirage 2000s that will be delivered to Ukraine will be equipped with new equipment. The aim is to equip them with air-to-ground combat capabilities and strengthen their electronic warfare system. This transformation operation will take place at the Cazaux base in Gironde.”
French officials subsequently confirmed that the aircraft would be delivered with unspecified new technology, focusing on the air-to-ground role. This might include a radar upgrade, as the current RDY radar is not optimised for use in the air-to-ground role. There may be some new weapons integrations including SCALP-EG cruise missiles and AASM Hammer glide bombs, both if which are already in service in Ukraine. La Tribune said that the aircraft delivered to Ukraine will be armed with two 30-mm DEFA 554 cannons and MICA air-to-air missiles (already integrated) but also with SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer guided bombs.
It has been suggested that the aircraft will also be fitted with the Integrated Counter Measures Suite (ICMS) Mk 3 already used by some export Mirage 2000s. The fully digital system includes radar and infrared warning sensors, as well as jammers and countermeasures.
In October, the French Foreign Minister said that the first aircraft would be handed over to Ukraine in early 2025, while French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that training was already underway at Nancy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the process of transferring fighters to Ukraine was being accelerated.
In November the French government confirmed that Ukraine would receive six Mirage 2000-5F fighters during the first quarter of 2025, together with the necessary support package.
Ukraine has reportedly asked for 12 Mirages to meet the immediate needs of the Povitryani Syly Zbroynykh Syl Ukrayiny (Ukrainian air force), and most sources indicate that around ten will be supplied initially. On 8 October 2024, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that France would provide Ukraine with about 20 ex-Armée de l’Air et de l’Éspace Dassault Mirage 2000-5F aircraft in the first quarter of 2025.
The French Air Force currently has about 20-24 Mirage 2000-5Fs in service. These were originally expected to serve until around 2028-29 but could be retired early to expedite deliveries to Ukraine.
RTL France has reported that “the training of [Ukrainian] pilots and mechanics at the Nancy base seems to be complete.” This may indicate that deliveries are close at hand.
