French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced France's intention to transfer Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000-5F fighters to Ukraine. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in early 2025. The exact number of aircraft is currently unknown, but according to various sources, there could be between 12 and 20.

Lecornu made his statement on October 8, 2024, at the 113th Air Base in Saint-Dizier during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the first nuclear mission of the French Strategic Air Force. He stressed that the transfer of combat aircraft is part of the strategic assistance that France provides to Ukraine. This decision is expected to meet with an extremely negative reaction in Moscow, as Vladimir Putin has already expressed his dissatisfaction with the supply of military equipment to Ukraine by European countries, which, in his opinion, complicates Russian military actions.

The Mirage 2000-5Fs being delivered, which are currently undergoing industrial modernization, will meet the standards of the French Aerospace Force and will be transformed into multi-role combat aircraft. As part of the preparation for delivery, operational training of Ukrainian pilots is planned, as well as advanced training of mechanics and armorers. It is expected that Ukrainian crews will be able to use the fighters for various missions, including air patrols and strikes.

One of the key points will be the modernization of aircraft to use SCALP-EG cruise missiles, which are already in service with the Ukrainian Air Force.