The Ukrainian Air Force recently released a video showing the operation of Mirage 2000-5 fighters supplied by France, deployed at forward bases and armed solely with Magic 2 missiles. According to a Ukrainian pilot, these aircraft are achieving a 98% effectiveness rate in intercepting Russian drones and cruise missiles, although for the moment there is no independent data confirming that percentage.
In the footage, the Mirage 2000-5 is seen operating at a forward deployment airfield. Technical personnel explain that this is the unit’s third relocation in a week, a common measure to avoid ground attacks. According to the interviewed technician, the previous position was hit by Shahed drones and missiles, but the evacuation was carried out without losses.
The pilot featured in the video previously flew the Su-27 before being sent to France to complete six months of training on the Mirage 2000B and Mirage 2000-5. Regarding the aircraft, he stated that his “impressions of this aircraft are extremely positive” and that “the effectiveness of intercepting enemy drones and missiles in this aircraft is 98%. These are impressive numbers.”
On one of the filmed fighters, six kill marks for cruise missiles can be seen, identified as Kh-101. The pilot confirmed that they correspond to interceptions carried out and added that there are another six shootdowns not yet recorded because “they don’t always have stencils […] at forward bases.”
The pilot also pointed out the need to upgrade the fleet with longer-range weaponry, stressing that the Mirage 2000-5 has limitations when compared to the F-16s also in service in Ukraine.
“In my opinion, and that of my fellow pilots, this aircraft lacks longer-range air-to-air weapons,” he explained. “Something in between efficiency and cost, so that we can face the enormous number of enemy aerial threats we encounter.”
Currently, the Ukrainian Mirages operate with two infrared-guided Magic 2 missiles, two external fuel tanks—painted blue and yellow for easier identification—and the two internal 30 mm cannons. The interviewed technician described the Magic 2 as the “main component” of the aircraft’s armament and stated that “it has worked exceptionally well. Its hit probability is practically 100%.”
The Mirage 2000-5 is capable of employing MICA IR and MICA RF missiles, although it has not been reported whether Ukraine will receive these systems.
Projections: Rafale, Gripen, and future modernization
The interviewed pilot also expressed his preference regarding future platforms: “If I had the opportunity to transition to another aircraft superior to the Mirage, I would probably choose the Rafale.” Among the reasons, he mentioned that training would be faster and that the Rafale can employ the long-range Meteor missile.
In November, Ukraine and France signed a Letter of Intent for the possible acquisition of up to one hundred Rafale fighters, although the first deliveries are not expected before 2029 and the full fleet could be operational by 2035. The document includes compatible weaponry, but no details have been disclosed.
The country is also in negotiations with Sweden for the purchase of more than one hundred Gripens, in a deal that could combine newly built aircraft with possible initial transfers of Gripen C/Ds. Ukrainian pilots have already conducted test flights in Sweden since 2023.
Additional Mirage 2000-5 deliveries
In August 2025, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Le Monde that France was considering transferring ten additional Mirage 2000-5s, which would bring the total to 20 aircraft. According to him, these units are receiving modifications at Cazaux Air Base to expand their role to attack missions and improve their resistance to electronic interference.
Kuleba emphasized that this is a significant reinforcement for maintaining air capabilities, although he cautioned: “it will not be enough to change the course of the war.” France has not yet officially confirmed the delivery of those aircraft.
A transition underway
While the immediate efforts focus on integrating F-16s and Mirage 2000-5s, Ukraine is advancing agreements to define the long-term composition of its combat aviation. France and Sweden are, for now, the central partners in this strategy, while current aircraft continue to operate intensively in air defense.
The Mirage 2000-5s, despite their armament limitations, are playing an active role in intercepting Russian drones and missiles through the use of their Magic 2 missiles, according to the data released by the Ukrainian Air Force.
*Images for illustration purposes.
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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