The first French multirole fighters Mirage 2000-5F have arrived in Ukraine, marking a new step in France’s military support for the country amid the conflict with Russia.
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The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron and was later confirmed by the French Minister of Defense, Sébastien Lecornu, on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
“With Ukrainian pilots on board, who have undergone several months of training in France, they will now participate in the protection of Ukrainian airspace,” Macron declared.
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Mirage 2000-5F
The Mirage 2000-5F is an advanced variant of the Dassault Mirage 2000 multirole fighter, developed by France. This specific version, used by the French Air Force, represents a significant evolution compared to earlier versions, featuring improvements in avionics, radar systems, and combat capability.
Main Features of the Mirage 2000-5F
- Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
- Type: Multirole fighter
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.2 (~2,336 km/h)
- Range: ~1,500 km without refueling
- Engine: 1 × Snecma M53-P2 (afterburning turbofan)
- Armament:
- 2 DEFA 554 30mm cannons
- MICA EM/IR missiles (air-to-air)
- Magic II missiles (short-range)
- Guided and conventional bombs
- Radar: Thomson-CSF RDY, optimized for beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat
- Aerial Refueling Capability: Yes
Highlights of the 2000-5F Version
- RDY Radar: Improved to engage multiple targets simultaneously, essential for modern combat.
- Compatibility with MICA Missiles: One of the most effective French air-to-air fighters due to its MICA EM (active radar-guided) and MICA IR (infrared-guided) missile capabilities.
- Modernized Cockpit: Multifunction digital displays and HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick) system for greater pilot efficiency.
- Enhanced Strike Capability: Improved integration of air-to-ground weaponry, including laser-guided bombs.
- Better Situational Awareness: Upgraded electronic warfare systems and data link for coordination with other aircraft.
Training of Ukrainian Pilots in France
The arrival of the fighters was preceded by an intensive training program conducted in France, where Ukrainian pilots underwent several months of instruction to operate the aircraft.
The transfer of the Mirage 2000-5F to Ukraine reflects France’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities amid Russian attacks. Additionally, the fighter arrives at a strategic moment, potentially bolstering defense against drones and missiles, while also enhancing the offensive response of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Source: X @SebLecornu / mil.in.ua This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
