France to deliver first Mirage-5F fighter jets to Ukraine by end of January

Avions Legendaires reported the information.

The fighter jets will be transferred from the French Air and Space Force’s stockpiles. They are adapted for the tasks of Ukraine's Air Force. In total, Ukraine is set to receive up to 10 such combat aircraft.

The outlet notes that these jets are part of France's key military aid package, alongside Caesar artillery systems and AMX-10RC armored vehicles.

As part of the modernization program, French specialists equipped the fighter jets with the capability to use Scalp-EG and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. This significantly enhances the aircraft's combat capabilities, enabling precise strikes on distant targets.

Some sources suggest that the jets are already in the country and conducting training flights.

The Mirage 2000-5F will become the second Western fighter jet in Ukraine's Air Force, following the American F-16s.

Supply of Mirage 2000 to Ukraine: background

On June 6, Emmanuel Macron announced that France would supply its fighter jets to Ukraine. The following day, he confirmed the start of training for Ukrainian pilots and mechanics. However, Macron didn’t specify how many aircraft were being discussed.

In October, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that Ukraine would receive Mirage 2000 fighters in the first half of 2025, equipped with new systems.

Later reports indicated that the first three Mirage 2000-5 jets would be delivered to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025.

On December 25, it was reported that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics finished their six-month training on French Mirage 2000-5F fighters.