The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the operational deployment of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets for the first time. The aircraft participated in repelling a Russian missile attack targeting critical infrastructure. The engagement involved multiple air defense assets, including surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare measures, and combat aircraft. This marks the first recorded operational use of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft by Ukraine since their transfer from France.The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the operational deployment of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets for the first time. The aircraft participated in repelling a Russian missile attack targeting critical infrastructure. The engagement involved multiple air defense assets, including surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare measures, and combat aircraft. This marks the first recorded operational use of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft by Ukraine since their transfer from France.
The introduction of French-supplied Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets into the Ukrainian Air Force will enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, particularly in light of the recent suspension of U.S. military aid, including intelligence sharing and air defense support. (Picture source: NATO Allied Air Command)
During the night, Russian forces launched a combined missile and drone strike targeting gas extraction facilities and other infrastructure. Ukrainian radar systems tracked 261 airborne threats, including 67 missiles and 194 drones. The missile component comprised 35 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles, eight Kalibr cruise missiles, three Iskander-M ballistic missiles, four S-300 surface-to-air missiles used in a ground-attack role, and eight Kh-59/69 air-launched missiles. The drone component included 194 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy UAVs of various types. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted and engaged the threats using ground-based systems and fighter aircraft, including F-16s and Mirage 2000-5Fs. By 10:00 AM, Ukrainian forces reported the destruction of 134 airborne targets, including 25 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles, eight Kalibr cruise missiles, one Kh-59/69 guided missile, and 100 Shahed drones. Additionally, at least ten enemy missiles failed to reach their intended targets, while 86 UAVs were lost without reported impact.
In recent months, Russia has conducted numerous nocturnal missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, transportation networks, and urban centers. For instance, on August 26, 2024, Russia launched a large-scale assault involving over 100 missiles and 100 drones, causing casualties and significant damage to energy infrastructure. Similarly, on November 17, 2024, a massive air attack targeted cities across Ukraine, killing multiple civilians and aiming to disrupt the power supply during winter. These attacks have led to civilian casualties, widespread power outages, and disruptions to essential services.
The introduction of French-supplied Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets into the Ukrainian Air Force will enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities, particularly in light of the recent suspension of U.S. military aid, including intelligence sharing and air defense support. Equipped with advanced avionics and capable of deploying AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles, the Mirage 2000-5F can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This versatility strengthens Ukraine’s defensive and offensive operations, potentially offsetting the reduced support from the United States. However, the limited number of these aircraft necessitates strategic deployment to maximize their battlefield impact.
As previously reported by Army Recognition on March 4, 2025, a video reportedly showing a Mirage 2000-5F in Ukrainian airspace was shared by the Telegram account Sunflower, marking the first verified sighting of this aircraft in the country. The aircraft’s deployment follows France’s decision to transfer these fighter jets to Ukraine and modify them for air-to-ground operations. The aircraft were equipped with the capability to deploy AASM guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles and fitted with electronic warfare systems.
The transfer of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine was first announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on June 6, 2024, during a televised interview. Macron stated that France would provide Ukraine with these aircraft and train 4,500 pilots. The announcement did not specify the number of aircraft to be delivered or their source. In October 2024, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that six Mirage 2000-5F aircraft would be transferred along with a support package. The aircraft were modified at Cazaux to integrate air-to-ground capabilities. Training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel was conducted at Nancy Air Base in France, where squadron 2/3 Champagne provided instruction using seven Mirage 2000B trainer aircraft. The first three Mirage 2000-5F aircraft were delivered in early 2025, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery within the first quarter of the year.
The reallocation of these aircraft required adjustments within the French Air and Space Force. Before the transfer, 28 Mirage 2000-5F aircraft were in service, assigned to Groupe de Chasse 1/2 Cigognes and Escadron de Chasse 3/11 Corse for air defense missions. These units operated from bases including Luxeuil-les-Bains and Djibouti. The transfer required operational restructuring, increasing reliance on Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft. French Air Force Chief of Staff General Stéphane Mille indicated that the reduction in Mirage 2000-5F units would accelerate Rafale F4 deliveries. However, concerns were raised about a temporary decrease in the number of operational fighter aircraft.
The Mirage 2000 was developed in the late 1970s as a single-engine, delta-wing aircraft to replace the Mirage III and Mirage F1. The first prototype flew in 1978, and the aircraft entered service with the French Air Force in 1984. Originally designed for air superiority, later variants were developed for ground-attack and strategic strike missions, including the Mirage 2000-5, introduced in the 1990s, featuring upgrades in radar, avionics, and weapons systems. It is equipped with the Thales RDY radar, which enables multi-target tracking and engagement. The aircraft supports MICA infrared and radar-guided missiles. France upgraded a portion of its Mirage 2000C fleet to the Mirage 2000-5F standard, maintaining its air defense role while improving sensors and defensive systems. These aircraft were previously used in NATO air policing missions.
The Mirage 2000-5F has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2, an operational ceiling of 15,240 meters, and mission-dependent range parameters. The modifications made for Ukraine include the integration of SCALP-EG cruise missiles and AASM guided bombs, enhancing its precision strike capability. Additional electronic warfare enhancements were incorporated to counter jamming and electronic countermeasures. The Mirage 2000-5F is intended to complement Ukraine’s existing fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and Western-supplied F-16 fighters.
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