France plans to offer Greece the transfer of all 43 Mirage 2000 fighter jets and their spare parts to Ukraine, with Athens receiving favorable terms for purchasing Rafale aircraft in return, Le Figaro reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to present the proposal during his 24–25 April visit to Greece, according to the Greek defense and foreign policy outlet Estia.
The aircraft in question are 24 Mirage 2000-5 jets and 19 older Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM models. Not all are likely to be combat-ready, as the older versions have already been withdrawn from service.
The French Mirage 2000s transferred to Ukraine were upgraded before delivery to carry AASM Hammer guided bombs and, reportedly, to be compatible with SCALP-EG cruise missiles — the French twin of the British Storm Shadow. That gives Ukraine another launch platform for long-range strikes on Russian rear areas.
At the end of January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a call with Macron that France would deliver additional aircraft to Ukraine this year.
The Rafale exchange
In return, France would supply Greece with a "similar number" of Rafales at a reduced price, Le Figaro writes. The specific terms of the deal and the exact cost of the equipment are to be agreed by both sides during negotiations.
Were the swap to go ahead, the 114th Combat Wing of the Hellenic Air Force would be able to fully equip two squadrons with a total of 36 Rafales.
Background: Greece's military overhaul
Back in March 2024, Greece announced its intention to decommission and sell its older fighter jets, including the Mirage 2000 EGM/BGM and the Mirage 2000-5. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias then confirmed the government's plans for a deep restructuring of the Greek armed forces, describing it as "the largest reform program in the history of modern Greece."
As part of that overhaul, the Hellenic Air Force plans to acquire a batch of French Rafales in the F4.3 version. An order for the Rafale F5 is also under consideration, though its entry into service is not expected before 2035.
