France Delivers First Batch of Mirage 2000 Fighters to Ukraine Ahead of Schedule
The aircraft were modernized with electronic warfare systems and air-to-ground attack capabilities before delivery.
/https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2022/07/Mirage-2000-C.jpg)
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the arrival of the first batch of Mirage 2000 fighters in Ukraine on Thursday, February 6, ahead of the initially scheduled date. While the exact number of aircraft was not disclosed, it was confirmed that they arrived with Ukrainian pilots on board, who had completed months of training in France.
The Mirage 2000 becomes the second Western-made combat aircraft delivered to Ukraine, following the arrival of the F-16s. The delivery was originally scheduled for April 1, but the aircraft underwent an eight-month modernization process before deployment. In October 2023, Lecornu stated that the Mirage 2000 had received upgrades at Cazaux Air Base, in southwestern France, incorporating new electronic warfare (EW) systems and air-to-ground attack capabilities.
Since March, France has been training 26 Ukrainian pilots and technicians. Initially part of the preparation for F-16 operations, the program was adapted to include training for the Mirage 2000.
The model delivered to Ukraine is likely the Mirage 2000-C, which was retired from the French Air Force in June 2022, rather than the more modern Mirage 2000-5F, which remains in service. However, President Emmanuel Macron pledged in June 2024 to supply the 2000-5 variant, suggesting that the aircraft have undergone an extensive modernization program.
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión