Could more Mirage 2000-5 jets be heading to Ukraine? Paris hints at third-party supplies

Defense Express discussed the issue.

France remains committed to bolstering Ukraine’s air force, with President Emmanuel Macron reiterating that Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets could be transferred through “third countries that operate them.” However, despite discussions of a so-called “Mirage 2000 coalition” since mid-2024, no foreign operator has officially agreed to provide these aircraft.

Currently, seven nations outside France operate a total of 240 Mirage 2000 jets, including Greece, Egypt, India, Peru, Qatar, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. However, several geopolitical and logistical barriers make large-scale transfers unlikely.

India is an unlikely contributor due to its strong defense ties with Russia and Israel’s restrictions on re-exporting Israeli-upgraded aircraft. Egypt also appears reluctant to jeopardize its relationship with Moscow. Taiwan, facing its own security threats, is unlikely to part with its fleet.

Greece, on the other hand, may reconsider. After failing to sell its Mirage 2000-5 jets to India, Athens could be open to offloading them before they become obsolete in two years. Additionally, Paris could facilitate a trade-in deal, offering Greece additional Rafale jets in exchange. Similar arrangements might be possible with Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and the UAE, both of which are set to receive new Rafale fighters and operate upgraded Mirage 2000 models.

While no formal deals have been announced, Macron’s repeated statements suggest diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Whether any country will step forward remains an open question.