Will Ukraine receive more Mirage 2000-5F fighters? French president Emmanuel Macron, in an interview with Le Parisien, admitted that he did not “disable” the release of additional aircraft. This is the language of diplomacy, in practice this phrase means that in Paris it is likely that the decision has already been made to ‘yes’. Macron pointed out that any machines could come from ‘third countries that usage them’. With this solution, the aircraft would be redeemed by France and after repairs sent over Dniepr.
Mirage machines are utilized in the air force of Brazil, Egypt, Greece, India, Qatar, Peru, Taiwan and the United arabian Emirates. It's hard to tell – and Macron doesn't say – where they could come from fighters for Ukraine. most likely not from India, which themselves would gladly buy a large number of utilized aircraft. Most likely, this ‘third country’ would be Greece, with 18 machines, if Paris made an interesting offer than Delhi.
However, according to experts, the most likely script is 1 in which France will scope its own stores. By 2024, the French air force had 26 Mirage 2000-5F machines in the state – at least six of them had already gone to Ukraine. In addition, the French have about 70 fighters of older types, so theoretically this is rather a crucial resource.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenski (left) and French president Emmanuel Macron at a press conference. Kiev, 16.06.2022.
Mirage over Ukraine
Mirage 2000 was initially designed as an aerial advantage fighter. Option 5F is distinguished by improved avionics. For Ukraine, aircraft were modified to carry SCAPP maneuvering missiles and AASM Hammer-led bombs, which increased their capabilities in ground combat. Despite these improvements, coming from the 1980s, Mirage’e may have problems in clashing with Russian Su-30 and Su-35. MICA air-to-air missiles, although feedbackable and equipped with mark tracking function, have insufficient scope (approximately 80 km), making it hard to attack Russian fighters without entering their rocket range.
We do not know if Ukrainian pilots have tried specified maneuvers. We know that machines from France have already proven their worth in combating maneuvering missiles – Ch-101 rockets utilized by Russians respective days ago. The Ukrainians so praise Mirage’e—seeing in them a crucial reinforcement of anti-aircraft defense—and asking for more, and Paris reacts.
Not just about airplanes. According to president Macron's assurances, France will accelerate the transportation of drones and missiles "which have been identified as a precedence by the Ukrainians". In the second case, rockets for SAMP/T air defence systems are involved. Ukraine has almost exhausted their supply, hence Kiev's request for additional deliveries, addressed not only to France but besides to Italy.
The power of bombs, the power of peaceful forces
So much for the current support issue. But the Seine besides thinks about what's next. "When Putin brought North Korean soldiers into his territory, did he ask the Ukrainian president for permission? No, he didn't. So why should Putina be called now to ask for approval to introduce European peacekeeping forces into Ukraine?” asked rhetorically representatives of French media Emmanuel Macron. And he confirmed that His country is ready to take part in an global peacekeeping mission over the Dnieprem.
Let us add to the order that the French president regularly encourages home arms producers to increase production and allies to exert stronger force on Russia. Paris besides springs its finest muscles, as evidenced by offer of atomic umbrella, composed of European NATO members. France is clearly looking for its place in Europe, in the realities in which Russia will stay an aggressive regime, but the US will deficiency as a safety guarantor on the Old Continent. The French want to partially fill the gap created by Americans. That is the intent of their diplomatic offensive.
