Ukraine’s air force has received a significant boost in its ongoing conflict with Russia, with the recent arrival of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France and additional F-16s from the Netherlands.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the transfer of the Mirage jets via a post on X, noting that they were piloted by Ukrainians who had undergone months of training in France. This delivery fulfills a promise made by French President Emmanuel Macron last summer.
“The Ukrainian sky is becoming more secure!” declared Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in a Facebook post. He welcomed the arrival of the modern combat aircraft, stating they would soon begin operational missions, enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Macron for his support, stating, “France’s president keeps his word, and we appreciate it,” after the announcement on social media.
The new Mirage and F-16 fighters are expected to enhance Ukraine’s air defense and offensive capabilities, including ground attacks and missile interception. This support is especially crucial as Russia has increased missile assaults on Ukrainian cities, often launching multiple strikes in a single night.
Last weekend, a Russian strike on a residential building resulted in at least 14 fatalities, as reported by emergency services. Ukrainian Air Force officials noted that one F-16 pilot successfully destroyed six Russian missiles in a single night in December.
Military aviation analyst Peter Layton from the Griffith Asia Institute suggested that the Mirages could be best utilized for air defense, allowing the F-16s to focus on other roles. He noted that Mirages can take off more quickly, making them well-suited for intercepting incoming threats.
In addition, Layton pointed out that the Mirages could launch longer-range missiles, such as the SCALP (Storm Shadow), against targets inside Russia. CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton emphasized that these jets would provide Ukraine with new capabilities to target Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, as they can carry Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Strengthening Ukraine’s Air Fleet
Ukraine is in urgent need of military support as it continues to defend itself in a nearly three-year conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion in 2022. The latest developments come despite ongoing fighting, as the Ukrainian army faces significant challenges on the eastern front due to superior Russian resources.
While the announcements regarding the number of jets transferred have not been specified, Ukraine’s air force has had limited Western aircraft in its fleet so far. Ukraine received its first F-16s last summer, with reports indicating that two of these jets have been lost. The current estimates show Ukraine has around two F-16s in operation with an order for an additional 58.
France’s air force had 26 Mirage 2000-5s in active service at the start of 2025, and plans are in place to replace these aircraft with Rafale jets in the coming years. As for the total number of jets Ukraine is expected to receive, estimates suggest around 95 F-16s and approximately two dozen Mirages will be provided.
Leighton cautioned that neither aircraft type would be available to Ukraine in sufficient numbers to meet its air combat needs effectively. Ideally, he indicated, the Ukrainian Air Force should have between 200 and 220 fighter jets to operate optimally against Russian forces.
Credit: CNN
