Ukraine is set to receive its first three Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets from France in the first quarter of 2025, according to the French publication La Tribune.
These aircraft are part of France's military assistance to Ukraine. They are currently undergoing upgrades to equip them with capabilities for striking ground targets.
The Mirage 2000-5F fighters will be modified to use French-British SCALP EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles and French AASM precision-guided bombs. Ukrainian pilots already have experience with these weapons.
Earlier reports from Avionslegendaires.net indicated that France plans to supply between 12 and 20 Mirage 2000-5F fighters to Ukraine.
Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are currently being trained to operate and maintain these aircraft, with France organizing six-month training programs.
Previously, the Mirage 2000-5F jets were designed exclusively for air-to-air combat and did not include air-to-ground capabilities. However, given Ukraine’s urgent need for multi-role combat aircraft, France has decided to modify some of these jets to meet Ukraine’s requirements.
As of now, the French Air and Space Forces operate 26 Mirage 2000-5F fighters. The plan to supply these aircraft to Ukraine was first announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2023, as part of a broader package of military aid.
