France is poised to supply Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the first quarter of 2025, representing a notable enhancement to Kyiv’s aerial capabilities. This timeline was confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot during an interview with Sud Radio.
“French Mirages will soon be operating in Ukrainian airspace,” Barrot remarked, indicating that the transfer is expected to occur within the next three months.
When questioned about the possibility of France sending troops to Ukraine post-conflict, Barrot refrained from providing a direct answer. “We must prepare for comprehensive engagement—France, Europe, and, to a certain extent, the United States—to ensure lasting peace in Ukraine once it is established,” he suggested, alluding to a long-term strategic commitment.
This announcement follows a commitment made by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2024 to train Ukrainian pilots and deliver Mirage 2000-5 jets. At that time, Macron estimated that pilot training would require five to six months, with the initial deliveries potentially commencing by the year’s end.
However, by October, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu revised that timeline, stating that deliveries would occur in the first half of 2025.
According to La Tribune, France is anticipated to provide Ukraine with a maximum of six Mirage 2000-5 aircraft. Although this number is relatively modest, these jets could significantly bolster Ukraine’s air defense and superiority, depending on their integration into military operations.
If the deliveries proceed as scheduled, this will represent another escalation in France’s military support to Ukraine, following previous shipments of Caesar howitzers, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, and armored vehicles.
The upgraded variant began its initial deliveries in 1997, incorporating the advanced Thales RDY radar, which significantly improves its ability to detect up to 24 targets and engage eight simultaneously.
If Ukraine were to incorporate Mirage 2000-5s into its fleet, it would enhance its capabilities to counter Russian aerial threats; however, the effectiveness of these aircraft will largely depend on how well Kyiv can utilize them in its contested airspace.
The Mirage 2000-5, created by Dassault Aviation, represents a significant advancement over the original Mirage 2000 series, having been designed in the early 1990s to modernize its cockpit and sensor technologies.
The upgraded variant began its initial deliveries in 1997, incorporating the advanced Thales RDY radar, which significantly improves its ability to detect up to 24 targets and engage eight simultaneously.
The cockpit of the Mirage 2000-5 has been modernized with digital technology, replacing traditional analog instruments with five multifunction displays to enhance situational awareness and control. The addition of Hands-On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls enables pilots to operate combat systems effectively without removing their hands from the flight controls.
In terms of armament, the Mirage 2000-5 is highly adaptable, capable of executing a variety of mission profiles with air-to-air MICA missiles available in both radar-guided and infrared variants, in addition to the older Super 530D.
The Mirage 2000-5 is equipped for ground attacks with precision-guided munitions such as the MBDA BGL 1000, a range of air-to-surface missiles including the Exocet, and the SCALP-EG for long-range engagements. Additionally, it features two internal 30mm DEFA 554 cannons for close combat situations.
Its electronic warfare capabilities are enhanced by the SPECTRA system, which provides radar warning, jamming, and countermeasures such as chaff and flares. The French variant, the Mirage 2000-5F, is further equipped with the ICMS Mk 2 countermeasures system for increased protection.
The Mirage 2000-5 is available in various configurations tailored to the needs of different nations. The French Air Force’s 5F model is designed for both air defense and strike operations, incorporating NATO-compatible Link 16 data links. Taiwan’s Mirage 2000-5EI incorporates many technological features but is specifically adapted for Taiwanese requirements.
Qatar’s 5EDA variant is customized for its unique operational context. Additionally, the Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 includes further enhancements such as a more sophisticated RDY-2 radar, upgraded avionics, and broader weapon compatibility.
This aircraft is powered by a single SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine, delivering impressive performance with speeds reaching up to Mach 2.2 and a high operational ceiling.
The delta-wing configuration provides exceptional maneuverability, while the airframe is constructed from advanced aluminum-lithium alloys and composites, ensuring a strong yet lightweight structure.
In summary, the Mirage 2000-5 is a versatile and capable fighter, designed to fulfill a wide range of operational demands in contemporary warfare.
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