Overview
- Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said on March 4 it expects additional Mirage 2000-5 deliveries from France to strengthen national air power.
- The ministry highlighted the fighters’ ability to detect and intercept low‑observable cruise missiles and strike drones such as Shahed, Geran and Gerbera, as well as reconnaissance drones.
- Officials described the aircraft as deeply modernized fourth‑generation jets approaching “4++” capabilities and compatible with NATO weapons including AASM Hammer bombs and Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles.
- Public footage in late February showed a Ukrainian Mirage releasing AASM Hammer munitions in offensive strikes against Russian positions and logistics sites.
- The fleet remains small and risk‑limited by Russian long‑range aircraft and layered air defenses, with at least one Ukrainian Mirage lost in July 2025 due to a technical malfunction.