French Mirages bolster Ukraine's aerial defense against Russia
During the night of 6th to 7th March, Ukrainian aviation utilised French Mirage fighter jets for the first time to fend off an aerial attack carried out by Russian forces.
When the Mirage jets arrived in Ukraine, Defence Minister Rustem Umierow remarked they would become a "new element of Ukrainian sky protection." The exact number of Mirage fighters that have reached the front remains undisclosed. Still, there is no doubt they are already bolstering Ukrainian aviation, which until recently relied solely on one type of Western combat aircraft: the F-16 fighters.
Mirage fighter jets actively counter Russian aggression
"The enemy’s air attack was repelled by anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Fighter aircraft were also engaged, including F-16s and Mirage 2000s. It is noteworthy that the French fighters, which arrived in Ukraine just a month ago, participated in combat operations for the first time," the Ukrainian Air Forces wrote on their Telegram profile.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, also confirmed the use of Mirage fighter jets against the Russians. "Today, F-16 fighter jets and Mirage aircraft provided by France were used to protect Ukrainian skies. In particular, the Mirages successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles. Thank you!" he wrote on his X profile.
Which variant of Mirage did Ukraine receive?
Ukraine has received the Mirage 2000-5F variants, regarded as one of the most significant upgrades of this French fighter jet. Crucially, these aircraft underwent several modifications before being deployed to the front, resulting in enhanced combat capabilities. They were fitted with advanced electronic warfare systems and adapted to carry a wider array of armaments, including French AASM gliding bombs, which have been supplied to Ukraine for several months, and Mica air-to-air missiles.
The standard armament of these French fighter jets includes two DEFA 554 cannons of 30 mm calibre. The Mirage 2000-5F is a single-engine fighter capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 1,367 mph and operating at an altitude of up to 62,335 feet.
