Ukraine expects more Mirage 2000-5 jets and air defense missiles from France

Ukraine expects further military support from France, including additional Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets and interceptor missiles for its air defense systems, following talks between Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin.

Fedorov said the discussions covered the possible delivery of more Mirage 2000-5 aircraft to reinforce the Ukrainian Air Force. The fighter type is already in operational service in Ukraine, having entered combat use earlier in 2025, although neither Kyiv nor Paris has disclosed the total number of aircraft transferred so far.

In addition to combat aircraft, Ukraine is seeking further supplies of French-made missiles for its SAMP/T and Crotale air defense systems, as well as long-range weapons. According to Fedorov, additional interceptor deliveries would strengthen Ukraine’s ability to counter continued Russian missile and aerial attacks.

France announced last year that it would transfer Mirage 2000-5F jets to Ukraine, with Ukrainian pilots undergoing several months of training at French bases before the aircraft became operational. Beyond air defense missions such as cruise missile interception, the aircraft were also prepared in France for ground-attack roles, expanding Ukraine’s strike options against military targets.

Fedorov also highlighted France’s stance on restricting the operations of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which Moscow has used to circumvent international sanctions on its energy exports. He said limiting these activities is essential to reducing Russia’s capacity to finance the war.

The Ukrainian minister thanked France for what he described as consistent military and political support and invited Vautrin to visit Ukraine to further develop cooperation, including data sharing and operational coordination.

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