France has delivered the first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the aircraft arriving in Ukrainian livery and accompanied by Ukrainian pilots who underwent training in France for several months.
The delivery is the second type of Western aircraft to be handed over to Ukraine, following F-16 jets provided by allies last year. The Mirage 2000 jets will enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, particularly its ability to interface with NATO ordnance such as Scalp/Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles and guided bombs.
This marks the first of a total of six Mirage 2000-5 aircraft planned for delivery to Ukraine, which were announced by French President Macron in June. The jets will be upgraded with new equipment for air-to-ground combat and defense against electronic warfare.
The Mirage 2000-5 is an air-superiority version, while the D model used by the French Air Force is a ground-attack version. France plans to retire both models from its forces by 2029 and 2035, respectively.
The delivery comes as part of France’s increased defense spending for 2025, which includes major deliveries such as 14 Rafale jets and Aster air-defense missiles. The budget increase will enable France to modernize its nuclear deterrent, improve servicemen’s pay, and place orders for new-generation aircraft carriers.
France has produced over 600 Mirage 2000s, with nearly half of them exported to countries including Brazil, the UAE, Greece, and Taiwan. The jet features a combat mass of 9.5 tons and a maximum speed exceeding Mach 2.2.
Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/02/06/ukraine-receives-first-mirage-2000-fighter-jets-from-france