French Mirage 2000-5F fighters to be delivered to Ukraine will be modified to incorporate air-to-ground target destruction capabilities.

In June 2023, France announced the delivery of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine. These aircraft, designed for air-to-air missions, will be modified to acquire air-to-ground capability. These transformations will enable the Ukrainian Mirage to destroy ground targets with precision. This change is part of an overall effort to improve Ukraine’s military capabilities in the face of challenges on the ground. Systems such as SCALP-EG and Exocet missiles could be integrated into the modified aircraft, increasing their flexibility. The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) is carrying out the necessary tests to validate these new functionalities.

Mirage 2000-5F delivered to Ukraine

The announcement of the delivery of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to Ukraine marks a turning point in France’s military support effort. The Mirage 2000-5F, originally designed for air defense missions, will be adapted for ground attack roles. These aircraft, renowned for their effectiveness in air-to-air missions, will be transformed to meet the specific needs of the current conflict in Ukraine.

The Mirage 2000-5F has a length of 14.36 meters, a wingspan of 9.13 meters and can reach a speed of Mach 2.2. Until now, its capabilities have been limited to interception and air defense. The cost of a Mirage 2000-5F is estimated at around €20 million. In comparison, the Ukrainian MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, while having a certain flexibility, are technologically less advanced than the Mirage, particularly in air-to-air combat configurations.

With this delivery, Ukraine will be able to respond better to air attacks, while increasing its strategic options on the ground. The importance of these modifications is crucial, as Ukraine needs aircraft capable of attacking ground targets, a capability which the Mirage 2000-5F will acquire following the modifications. The conversion of the aircraft will be carried out at the Cazaux air base, a reference center for flight testing operated by the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement – DGA).

Technical modifications and new capabilities

The Mirage 2000-5F is currently unable to destroy ground targets. This technical limitation will be overcome by major modifications, enabling these aircraft to fire air-to-ground munitions. In particular, Greek Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 aircraft are equipped for air-to-ground missions, using SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles. The SCALP-EG, with a range of over 500 km, can engage strategic targets from a distance, while the Exocet, used for naval targets, is effective up to 70 km.

Future modifications to Ukrainian Mirages will follow this model, with the potential integration of similar systems. Another important aspect concerns laser designation systems, essential for the use of laser-guided munitions. These designation pods would enable pilots to aim at targets with greater precision, minimizing collateral damage. Systems such as the Damoclès pod, already used on French aircraft, could be installed.

The addition of these capabilities will significantly increase the versatility of the Mirage 2000-5F. They will be able to carry out infrastructure destruction missions, support ground forces and neutralize strategic targets. The transition from purely air-to-air to air-to-ground missions represents a technical challenge, but experience gained with the Greek versions of the Mirage shows that this transition is feasible.

Strategic impact for Ukraine

The Mirage 2000-5F modifications will have a major strategic impact on Ukraine. At present, Ukrainian forces depend mainly on the MiG-29 and Su-27 for air defense and ground attack. These aircraft are effective, but are beginning to show their limits in the face of rapid modernization by opposing forces. By integrating the modified Mirage, Ukraine has acquired an additional tool for precision strikes on ground targets, strengthening its ability to carry out complex tactical operations.

The new equipment will increase the strike capability and range of Ukrainian operations. For example, the SCALP-EG missiles will give Ukraine a long-range strike capability, enabling it to reach strategic targets well beyond the front lines. These strikes could include logistics centers, command positions and critical infrastructure.

In addition, the use of laser designation systems will increase the precision of strikes, an essential aspect in minimizing civilian casualties. The versatility of the modified Mirage means they can be used in a variety of tactical situations, enhancing the Ukrainian army’s strategic flexibility.

The combined effect of these modifications could also play an important role in political negotiations, by increasing Ukraine’s military deterrence. This could prompt opposing parties to reconsider their attack strategies, given the threat of a precise and effective air response.

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