Replacement for Su-24? Expert explains the main goal behind giving Ukraine Mirage 2000-5F
Photo: Mirage 2000-5F (Getty Images)
Ukraine is likely to receive improved Mirage 2000-5Fs from France. The aircraft will replace Su-24 bombers, aviation expert Valerii Romanenko told RBC-Ukraine.
The Mirage 2000-5F is a fighter jet, but there was already information that the aircraft would be altered for SCALP missiles. Ukrainian pilots are trained not at the Cognac air base, where the fighter base is, but in Nancy, where the bomber base is located.
“The Mirage 2000D variant is a carrier of SCALP cruise missiles. Most likely, this is the squadron that has the most combat experience... The main purpose of getting them is to have a backup option if we run out of ours... Starokostiantyniv is under attack every time, our Su-24s are based there,” the expert added.
Half of the aircraft may be deployed abroad, for example, in Poland, Romania, or Slovakia. The other half will operate directly from Ukrainian territory.
“Three aircraft in total is unofficial. It may depend on the division into bombers or fighters. In the fighter unit, there are 4 aircraft, in the bomber unit - 3... The plans that were made public are to transfer a full-fledged squadron of 12 aircraft to us,” explained Romanenko.
Mirage 2000
In early June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to provide Ukraine with Mirage 2000 fighter jets as part of a military aid package. This initiative was part of Western support for the Ukrainian army amid the war.
France will provide Ukraine with modernized Mirage 2000 fighter jets, equipped with the latest gear before delivery. These aircraft are expected to be ready for delivery in the first half of 2025. The modernization will increase their combat effectiveness, which can significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
For more details on how these fighters will strengthen the Ukrainian army, see RBC-Ukraine's article.
