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Two French Mirage 2000s to Ukraine this January, Russia says
According to the Russian outlet Avia.pro, France is expected to deliver the first two Mirage 2000 delta-wing, fourth-generation jet fighters to Ukraine by mid-January. The aircraft, a key asset in France’s air force, is set to join Ukraine’s air fleet amid escalating tensions with Russia.
French sources confirm that the transfer is part of a broader military assistance package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities as the conflict with Russia intensifies. Avia.pro, citing information from its sources, indicates the jets will arrive within the next two weeks, marking a significant step in France’s continued military support to Ukraine.
The Mirage 2000 series, renowned for its versatility and advanced avionics, will provide Ukraine with a much-needed edge in the air combat arena, especially as Russia intensifies its aerial operations in the region. Earlier, France had already sent CAESAR self-propelled artillery systems, air defense systems, and various munitions to Ukraine.
Discussions are already underway regarding potential F-16 deliveries from the United States and Gripen aircraft from Sweden, both of which would further enhance Ukraine’s air superiority.
However, the decision has not come without its critics. Within France, some political factions are raising concerns about the potential for escalating the conflict and the long-term ramifications for French-Russian relations. As tensions rise, these discussions are likely to continue shaping the direction of military aid to Ukraine.
Its weapon systems and modernization make it adaptable for a range of missions, including air combat, strike operations, and reconnaissance. These features could be critical for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The Mirage 2000 is available in various variants, with the most common being the Mirage 2000C, Mirage 2000D, and Mirage 2000N. Each of these variants has specific capabilities, with the most suitable for Ukraine likely being the Mirage 2000C, which is primarily designed for air-to-air combat.
This model is equipped with the RDM-1 radar, enabling it to detect and engage targets at long ranges, and carries armament such as Magic II and Mica missiles. The Magic II is an infrared-guided missile suitable for short-range dogfights, while the Mica offers greater range and can be used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it versatile in the context of ongoing conflict.
While the Mirage 2000D is less suited for air combat than the Mirage 2000C, its precision strike capabilities would be valuable in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, where targeting important Russian military and logistical sites could have a significant strategic impact.
As for the capabilities of the Mirage 2000 in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the aircraft could be used in a variety of scenarios. Ukrainian air forces might deploy the Mirage 2000 in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses [SEAD] missions, targeting or neutralizing Russian air defense systems such as the S-300 and Pantsir-S1, which continue to play a major role in Russia’s defensive strategy.
Another potential scenario involves the Mirage 2000 being used for reconnaissance missions and tactical strikes on key targets, especially with its upgraded radar systems and the ability to carry the latest air-to-ground missiles. These operations could target military and transport networks to weaken Russia’s ability to mobilize and supply forces along the front lines.
Ukraine could also use the Mirage 2000 for air patrols in response to Russian air attacks, which would allow them to maintain control of the airspace and increase the security of Ukrainian positions, preventing Russian fighters or bombers from entering high-value zones.
When used in combination with modern countermeasure systems and active defense systems, the Mirage 2000 could provide significant advantages in defending Ukrainian air and ground forces.
However, the effectiveness of the Mirage 2000 will depend on many factors, including the training of pilots, coordination with other Western systems being provided to Ukraine, such as F-16s and Gripens, and the increasing complexity of aerial combat. The pace of escalation in the conflict will also influence how these aircraft are utilized on the battlefield.
Bulgarian Military