France will deliver three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, according to La Tribune, citing “corroborating sources.” The French Defense Ministry has declined to comment on the specific number of aircraft when contacted by La Tribune.
La Tribune says the delivery timeline allows for necessary aircraft modifications and training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics, as explained by Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu on 8 October. At the time, he said the Mirages will be delivered in the first half of 2025.
In June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to transfer Mirage 2000-5 jets to Ukraine within a year. La Tribune claimed France may initially transfer only six jets, with additional contributions required from other nations operating the Mirages. In contrast, Avionslegendaires reported that France could send up to 20 Mirage 2000-5F fighters to Ukraine by 2025.
The aircraft will be equipped with Mica air-to-air missiles, AASM bombs for airstrikes, and Scalp cruise missiles, responding to Ukrainian requests. Additional armament includes two 30mm cannons. La Tribune says this configuration is similar to the Greek Mirage 2000-5 fleet, which has attracted interest from India and Taiwan.
The French Air Force currently operates 26 Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, stationed at Luxeuil/Saint-Sauveur in France and Djibouti. Prior to their transfer to Ukraine, the aircraft will undergo upgrades, focusing on air-to-ground combat capabilities and electronic warfare systems to counter Russian jamming, according to the Defense Minister on X.
These modifications will be carried out at the Cazaux air base in southwestern France, while pilot and mechanic training will take place at the Nancy air base in eastern France. France is also participating in training Ukrainian pilots at Cazaux for American F-16 fighters.
The Mirage 2000-5F, introduced in 1999, served as France’s primary air defense fighter. Per La Tribune, it was France’s first “Fox 3 shooter” fighter, featuring “fire and forget” capability.
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