The Mirage 2000-5Fs promised Kyiv they would finally have air-to-ground capability. The fighter was designed for air combat by carrying air-to-air missiles.
According to a "SudOuest" website publication, France is upgrading some Mirage-2000.5F fighter jets before handing them over to Ukraine. France's decision to reinforce Ukraine with Mirage-2000.5F was announced by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, at the beginning of last June.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in late 2024 after the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians is completed. The upgrade that France is doing to the aircraft is about the integration of air-ground capability.
The modifications will be carried out at the French Armament Directorate air base in Cazaux, which has, in the past, carried out interventions and upgrades on Mirage F1, Mirage-3, Mirage-2000 and Rafale fighter aircraft. Upon completion of the upgrade work, the aircraft can launch SCALP-EG missiles and AASM-guided bombs. France maintains a fleet of 26 Mirage-2000.5Fs, some of which are being upgraded and will end up in Ukraine.
