French aircraft for Ukraine: speculation grows over possible Mirage 2000 supply

Defence Express analyzed the rumors.

According to the outlet, these Mirages are believed to potentially carry SCALP-EG cruise missiles, which Ukraine has already received.

Interestingly, Xavier Tytelman, an editor at Air and Cosmos, who closely tracks French military aid to Ukraine, initially mentioned the rumors about the Mirage 2000 transfer. He hinted that "French planes have been in Ukraine for two weeks," without disclosing the source.

Furthermore, another source, as described by the French portal Opex360, indirectly hinted at the Mirage 2000 for Ukraine. This source was highlighted in an official message from Ukraine's military and political leadership.

The speculation gains even more traction when considering recent events. On August 6, 2023, an official image featured a SCALP-EG missile beneath a Su-24M wing, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The image subtly incorporated elements such as the Eiffel Tower combined with the Ukrainian Emblem and a stylized aircraft hinting at a triangular-winged tailless design. “Such a stylization is unlikely to have appeared without purpose, especially given that Ukraine does not possess any officially acknowledged triangular-winged tailless aircraft,” Defence Express stresses.

The French industrial group Safran SA, specializing in aircraft components, also added intrigue by sharing an image of a Mirage 2000C aircraft with a SCALP-EG missile. However, the Mirage 2000C is not a missile carrier; rather, it's an interceptor retired from the French Air Force in 2022.

Although these hints could be mere errors or suggestions, they coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the possible training of Ukrainian pilots in France. The French Ministry of Defense even confirmed partial training activities related to air defense and survival skills.

While the rationale for the emergence of Mirage 2000 rumors might seem peculiar, it still piques curiosity. France's past success in quickly retraining German pilots from MiG-29 to Mirage 2000 in three months adds to the intrigue. Moreover, if Ukraine's potential long-range strikes require consideration of not only missile availability but also suitable carriers, these rumors could become more substantial.