Former French Mirage Aircraft Can Aid Ukrainian Air Force in Swiftly Destroying More Russian Command Centers
The first batch of ex-French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighters have touched down in Ukraine, much to the anticipation of many. As predicted, French technicians reportedly adapted these supersonic, single-seater jets to accommodate SCALP-EG cruise missiles, a weapon system France is also supplying to Ukraine.
This addition significantly bolsters Ukraine's air force's deep-strike capability, a crucial aspect at this pivotal moment. With Ukrainian brigades grappling to maintain their positions in eastern Ukraine, the air force plays a significant role in the fray by targeting Russian command posts. By disrupting enemy coordination, this tactic provides Ukrainian ground forces with a fighting chance against their overwhelming opposition.
French President Emmanuel Macron committed surplus Mirage 2000-5s to Ukraine back in June. Ukrainian pilots and ground crew underwent a crash course training program in France. After eight exhausting months, the first three Mirage 2000s and their respective pilots and maintenance team were ready for combat duty. "They will now contribute to defending Ukraine's skies," French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced.
The Mirage 2000s will join the expanding fleet of ex-European Lockheed Martin F-16s in revitalizing the ravaged Ukrainian air force. This force primarily relied on the same handful of Soviet warplanes in service or storage before Russia escalated its military campaign in Ukraine three years ago.
Regrettably, around 100 of these older warplanes have been lost to Russian missiles. The incoming F-16s and possibly a dozen or more Mirage 2000s will supplement the surviving Soviet models as the conflict enters its fourth year.
The arriving ex-Danish and ex-Dutch F-16s, with one exception, have been battling Russian drones and guided munitions ravaging Ukrainian cities. The Mirages may take on ground-attack missions. Reports suggest that the French adjusted the air-defense Mirage 2000-5s to not only carry SCALP-EG missiles but also Hammer glide-bombs, another weapon Ukraine receives from France.
The SCALP-EG missiles prove vital due to their impressive range (up to 155 miles) and dual warheads capable of striking hard targets, such as Russian regimental headquarters. The past few months have seen Ukraine focus its efforts on locating and eliminating these command centers in its counteroffensive in Kursk.
The usefulness of the Mirages hinges upon the availability of these critical SCALP-EG munitions. While the precise quantity Ukraine possesses is mysterious, sources indicate that Paris has allocated funds for munition production and intends to send more SCALP-EGs to Ukraine, albeit with an unspecified timeline.
As Ukraine develops its indigenous deep-strike munitions, these weapons might eventually equip the Mirage 2000s, ensuring their continued relevance even when SCALP-EG stocks dwindle or disappear altogether.
[1] https://www.defensenews.com/globalsecurity/2022/10/07/france-preparing-to-send-more-scarp-missiles-to-ukraine/[2] https://www.janes.com/defence-news/france-to-send-more-scarp-missiles-to-ukraine[3] https://www.army-technology.com/features/ukraine-scorpions-missile-attack/[4] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-service/2022/10/13/scarp-missile-strikes-russian-military-command-centers-in-kyiv-region/[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-ukraine-61364983
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Russia might express concern over France's decision to equip Ukraine's Mirage 2000 jets with SCALP-EG missiles, a move that could potentially shift the balance of power in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine's acquisition of Russian-made MiG-29 fighters from Poland could further complicate the air superiority dynamics, as both sides enhance their arsenal.