According to Defense Express, France is expected to deliver the first batch of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, with an initial order of three aircraft. Although this number is quite modest, this is just the beginning of a long-term military support from Paris to Kiev.

Although France has never officially announced the number of aircraft to be supplied, some sources, notably the French publication La Tribune, suggest that Ukraine could receive up to 12 Mirage 2000-5s. However, this number remains unconfirmed and may change based on the actual situation.

France is expected to deliver the first batch of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2025, with an initial order of three aircraft. - Photo: Defense Express

Information about the first three aircraft comes from several internal reports, which say Paris wants to retain 20 of its 26 Mirage 2000-5s. Meanwhile, providing six aircraft – a number that has been mentioned before – does not fit with the ambitions of French President Emmanuel Macron, as 12 would form a complete fleet for Ukraine, meeting the country’s defense requirements.

In addition to the availability of aircraft and the progress of the fighter jets’ modernization, the delivery process also depends on the readiness of Ukrainian pilots and technicians who are being trained to operate the aircraft. France is currently undertaking the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on its own, and is also conducting the training at the Nancy air base, which is home to the 3rd Fighter Squadron that operates the Mirage 2000D. This is notable because the Nancy base is not a standard training base, but a main combat base.

In addition, two other French Mirage 2000-5 squadrons are based at other air bases: Squadron 1/2 Cigognes in Luxeuil-les-Bains and Squadron 3/11 Corse in Djibouti. This shows that the training arrangements for Ukrainian pilots were carefully planned and specially organized, to ensure that they could operate this modern aircraft proficiently.

While Ukraine is also training F-16 pilots at two centers in Denmark and the United States, the first batch of pilots is expected to receive only six F-16s initially. This highlights the importance of France’s participation in training and supplying Mirage 2000-5s, which will help supplement Ukraine’s air force as the country continues to face war with Russia.

It should also be noted that the French Air Force's 3rd Fighter Squadron has extensive combat experience, having participated in military operations in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. Although this experience is not entirely comparable to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is an important basis for France's readiness to support Ukraine militarily. The delivery of the Mirage 2000-5, although still in its early stages, is expected to significantly contribute to Ukraine's air defense capabilities in the coming period.