Ukraine's air force received a significant boost in its fight against Russia with the arrival of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France and F-16s from the Netherlands. The Mirage jets were confirmed to have been flown by Ukrainian pilots who had been training in France for months. French President Emmanuel Macron had promised the Mirage jets to Ukraine last summer.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude for the arrival of the modern combat aircraft, stating that they would enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities and effectively counter Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Macron for his leadership and support.
The new fighters are expected to improve Ukrainian forces' ability to provide air cover for troops, attack ground targets, engage enemy planes, and intercept missiles. The Mirages are considered suitable for air defense roles, while the F-16s may be utilized for other missions.
Analysts suggest that the Mirages could be used to intercept incoming cruise missiles and drones, as well as launch longer-range missiles at targets inside Russia. Additionally, the Mirages could target Russia's Black Sea Fleet with French-made Exocet anti-ship missiles.
Despite ongoing fighting and challenges on the eastern front lines, Ukraine continues to receive support from NATO allies. The exact number of fighter jets transferred to Ukraine was not specified, but reports indicate that Ukraine is expected to receive a total of 95 F-16s and around two dozen Mirages.
While the Ukrainian Air Force aims to strengthen its combat capabilities, analysts suggest that a larger fleet of fighter jets would be ideal for effectively countering Russian forces. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2022, remains ongoing with no signs of a ceasefire in the near future.
