The Ukrainian Air Force is expected to receive the first Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets within two weeks, Avions Legendaries has said.
The French outlet predicts that three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets will be delivered by January 20, marking the entry into service of the second Western fighter jet in Ukrainian service – the first was the F-16 last year.
Air Force pilots and ground crews are said to have completed training on the French aircraft in recent weeks, paving the way for the jets to be handed over.
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Before being sent to Ukraine, the Mirage 2000s, which were stored by the French Air Force, underwent an upgrade by the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA), which modified them to carry Storm Shadow cruise missiles and receive electronic warfare equipment.
It is believed that the French fighters will replace the old Sukhoi Su-24s in ground attack missions. The variant chosen by France would be the more modern Mirage 2000-5F.
However, it is not known how many aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine. It is estimated that six jets should arrive in the country in the first quarter, out of a possible total of 12 Mirage 2000-5Fs.
In addition to the F-16 and the Mirage 2000, Ukraine may in the future receive Saab Gripen C/D fighters transferred by Sweden.
