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France has handed over the first Dassault Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft to Ukraine, which are capable of carrying out strikes against critical Russian military targets, including control centres and command posts. According to Forbes, the manufacturer has upgraded the fighters to launch long-range SCALP-EG cruise missiles.
Key reinforcement at a critical time
The delivery of the French fighter jets comes amid heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian troops are holding the front line despite the enemy’s numerical superiority. In such circumstances, strikes on rear logistics and command posts become critical to disrupting the coordination of Russian troops.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets back in June 2023. Since then, Ukrainian pilots and technicians have been undergoing accelerated training in France. The eight-month training has been completed, and the first three aircraft are ready to perform combat missions.
Mirage 2000-5 with F-16: a new level of Ukrainian aviation
The Mirage 2000-5s join Ukraine’s growing fleet of combat aircraft, which will soon be joined by F-16s from Denmark, the Netherlands and other partners. Ukraine has lost around 100 Soviet aircraft in combat, so the new Western fighters play a critical role in restoring the Air Force’s combat capability.
Ukraine is expected to receive about 85 F-16s and more than 10-12 Mirage 2000-5s, which will significantly enhance air attacks on enemy strategic targets.
Long-range strikes: the Mirage 2000-5’s main role
Unlike the F-16, which is currently focused on air defence and intercepting Russian missiles and drones, the Mirage 2000-5 has been specially modified to strike ground targets. They will be able to use not only SCALP-EG missiles but also French Hammer guided bombs.
The SCALP-EG cruise missiles have a range of up to 250 km and are capable of penetrating fortified targets. They are a key weapon for destroying Russian command posts and ammunition depots. In particular, during the recent Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk area, the main strikes were on the command centres of the Russian 810th Marine Brigade.
Missile shortage: a key challenge
It is not yet known how many SCALP-EG missiles Ukraine has received from France and Italy. However, Paris has announced an additional $2 billion for arms production, including new batches of SCALP-EG, some of which are destined for Ukraine.
“Yes, we are continuing to supply SCALP-EG missiles, but their number is limited, so we need more time to produce them,” said French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael Allais.
Ukraine increases its own production of long-range weapons
In addition to foreign supplies, Ukraine is actively developing its own long-range missiles. Initially, they were tested on Soviet Su-24 bombers, but in the future they may be adapted for use on the new Mirage 2000-5.
Thus, the transfer of French fighter jets is not just another aid package, but a strategic strengthening of the Ukrainian army, which will allow it to deliver devastating strikes on critical Russian military targets.
