First Mirage 2000 fighter jets arrive in Ukraine
The first French Mirage 2000 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine, though the exact number remains undisclosed.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced this on the social media platform X, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.
"The first jets arrived in Ukraine today. With Ukrainian pilots on board, who have undergone several months of training in France, they will now help defend Ukraine's skies," the minister stated.
Lecornu also added that the delivery of these aircraft was part of a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron.
Earlier reports indicated that the exact number of Mirage 2000 jets being transferred to Kyiv remained classified. However, French media estimate that the first batch of three to six aircraft could arrive in Ukraine within the next few days.
The Mirage 2000-5F jets have been specially modified to enhance Ukraine's ability to conduct ground-attack missions. Originally part of the French Air and Space Force, the aircraft were upgraded under the supervision of France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
Now, these fighters are capable of carrying and deploying SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which are already in service with Ukraine's Armed Forces.
Additionally, the Mirage jets are the first European-designed and manufactured aircraft to be supplied to Ukraine, following the arrival of American F-16s.
In June 2024, President Emmanuel Macron officially announced France's decision to transfer Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots in France.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that by the end of the first quarter of 2025, the Mirage 2000 jets would be fully operational in defending Ukraine's airspace.
