Mirage 2000-5 Jets Delivery to Ukraine: Key Updates
On Thursday, France confirmed the delivery of its first shipment of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine. This move is aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia. Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu made the announcement on social media platform X, where he mentioned that the initial aircraft have arrived in the country, although he did not disclose the exact number of jets included in the shipment.
The transfer of these jets follows months of training provided to Ukrainian pilots, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate the advanced aircraft. Lecornu emphasized the importance of this delivery, stating that the newly trained pilots will play a crucial role in defending Ukraine’s airspace. This initiative stems from President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment made last June to supply Mirage 2000-5 jets and training support to Ukraine as part of France’s military collaboration with Kyiv.
According to reports from France’s National Assembly, six of the 26 Mirage 2000-5 jets currently in service with the French Air Force are earmarked for transfer to Ukraine. However, the French defense ministry has refrained from confirming this number, citing security concerns. In addition to the aircraft, Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel have undergone training in eastern France to ensure they are prepared to operate the jets, which have been specifically modified to counteract Russian electronic warfare tactics.
The announcement of this jet delivery comes at a time when discussions surrounding a potential negotiated resolution to the nearly three-year conflict are gaining momentum. The political landscape has shifted with Donald Trump returning to the White House, while Ukraine’s military forces continue to face significant challenges on the eastern front. Notably, in August, Ukraine also received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets, further enhancing its aerial capabilities against Russian forces.
