First Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft delivered to Ukraine

As of 6 February 2025, Ukraine has received its first batch of French Mirage 2000-5F fighter aircraft. The French Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, confirmed the arrival, stating that Ukrainian pilots, who underwent several months of training in France, are now prepared to operate these aircraft in defence of Ukraine’s airspace.

The exact number of jets delivered has not been disclosed, but reports indicate that France committed to supplying at least six Mirage 2000-5F fighters equipped with air-to-ground capabilities and electronic warfare countermeasures. Less than a year after French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer on 6 June 2024, the first aircraft have arrived in Ukraine, flown by Ukrainian pilots.

This delivery is part of a broader effort by European allies to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. In addition to the Mirage 2000s, Ukraine has also received US-made F-16s from the Netherlands, further strengthening its air defence and combat readiness.

In early January 2025, reports suggested that pilot and ground crew training at Base Aérienne (BA) 133 Nancy/Ochey in France had been completed. While this was not officially confirmed, it aligns with previous statements by Macron, who estimated training would take five to six months, and Lecornu’s remarks that training was ongoing in Nancy.

Details regarding the exact number of aircraft delivered, their weapon configurations, and potential Ukrainian markings have not been disclosed. However, the French government confirmed in November 2024 that Ukraine would receive six Mirage 2000-5F fighters in the first quarter of 2025, along with a full support package. Ukraine has reportedly requested 12 Mirages to meet its immediate needs.

Credit photo: Swingwing (Scramble Archive)