Mirage 2000 could replace Soviet Su-24s for strikes on Russian targets

He discussed this on Espreso TV.

"There were not such high expectations for the Mirage aircraft as for the F-16. The F-16 is presented as a modern and highly effective aircraft, whereas the Mirage is often described as an outdated model that is supposedly no longer relevant. However, if we analyze the Mirage's equipment, we can argue that they could serve as a good replacement for the old Soviet Su-24s for strikes on Russian forces at the front," Kyrychevskyi stated.

The military expert suggested that the Mirage 2000 could be equipped with Scalp EG missiles.

"We do not know for sure whether these specific aircraft were delivered. But our military is already using AASM Hammer bombs in the 250 kg version, and there were recent reports about the French Air Force possessing 1000 kg bombs. Therefore, it is entirely possible that Mirage aircraft could be used as carriers of these French bombs for effective destruction of Russian command posts and logistical facilities near the front line. In this way, these aircraft could successfully complete their tasks in the war," he noted.

The main advantage of the Mirage 2000 is that they were produced in the 1990s and 2000s, whereas Ukraine's Soviet-era aircraft were manufactured back in the 1970s.

"Even if the Mirage 2000 can perform the same tasks as Soviet Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft, we are still receiving newer aircraft to replace the older models, which is a significant improvement. Regarding other Western aircraft, including additional F-16s and Mirages that may be supplied from France or other allied countries, it is important to understand that these planes are newer than the Soviet MiG-29, Su-27, Su-25, and Su-24. If Western aircraft can fulfill similar functions, they will last longer. Before the full-scale invasion, we should have already been considering acquiring newer and more modern aircraft such as the Rafale, F-15, or F-35. But now, at least we are getting a cheaper yet effective replacement for old Soviet aircraft," he concluded.

Transfer of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine

On June 6, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would supply Ukraine with its fighter jets. The next day, he confirmed that training for piloting and maintaining these aircraft had begun. Macron did not specify the number of aircraft involved.

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

Later, reports indicated that France would deliver the first three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025.

On December 25, it was revealed that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics had completed six months of training on the French Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets.

On February 6, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that Ukraine had received its first Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France.