Mirage 2000 will be supplied to Ukraine. But where can I get them?
From a statement by French President Macron, it became known that France intends to supply Mirage 2000 aircraft to Ukraine, but for some reason, observers in the Western press decided that these would be Mirage 2000-5, aircraft of the latest modifications of the main Mirage 2000 C, which was put into service back in 1982 It is unlikely that all users of French fighters will want to transfer the latest Mirages to anyone. Where will Paris get fighters for Kyiv?
The last Mirage 2000 produced, the 2000-5 Mk2 variant, was transferred to the Hellenic Air Force in 2007. In subsequent years, the Argenteuil assembly plant produced only the newer Rafale, which has become a recent hit in the French defense sector. Thus, the number of Mirages that can be transferred to Ukraine is limited. This is especially true for the mentioned Mirage 2000-5 variant.
Giving Ukrainians vehicles older than the Mirage 2000-5 would be risky, according to Western experts, given the superiority of the Russian Aerospace Forces in the air and very strong air defense. In order to guarantee pilots the minimum chance of survival, aircraft supplied to the Ukrainian Air Force must, according to Western experts, have the latest self-defense systems currently available, electronic warfare equipment, high-precision weapon air-to-ground missiles and air-to-air missiles with an active radar head (operating in “fire and forget” mode). Such capabilities are not available in the older version of the Mirage, which is based on the original Mirage-2000 C. For this reason, choosing the Mirage 2000-5, equipped with modern avionics and electronics, seems to be the only option for Western experts.
At one time, the Mirage 2000 was very popular in the export market, although the miniature delta fighter did not achieve the same overwhelming market success as the more competitive F-16.
The origins of the first French 4th generation fighter, the Mirage 2000, can be traced back to 1965, when France and Great Britain agreed to develop an “Anglo-French aircraft with variable wing geometry” (AFVG). Two years later, France withdrew from the project due to the high costs that were not justified by the French Air Force, after which the UK began collaborating on the project with West Germany and Italy to produce the Panavia Tornado. Instead, Dassault focused on its own variable geometry aircraft, the experimental Dassault Mirage G prototype. This design was expected to be implemented in the Mirage G8, which would replace the popular Mirage III in service with the French Air Force.
The Mirage 2000 began as a minor project, tentatively named "Delta 1000" in 1972. Dassault prioritized the Mirage G8A, a fixed wing geometry derivative of the Mirage G8 that was intended to compete with the Panavia Tornado. The Mirage G8 development program, referred to as the "Avion de Combat Futur" (ACF or Future Combat Aircraft) of the French Air Force (Armee de l'Air, AdA), did not correspond to the concept of the future aircraft adopted by the French Air Force. The Air Force wanted a Mach 3 fighter, not an incapable air-to-air interceptor like the Mirage G8. Thus, Dassault redesigned the Mirage G8 into the twin-engine Super Mirage G8A, which proved ambitious and expensive, being two and a half times more expensive than the Mirage F1 and overcomplicated, especially compared to the F-16, which had just received orders from a number of European countries.
At a meeting of the National Defense Council on December 18, 1975, the Super Mirage project was canceled. The ACF was a strike aircraft first and an interceptor second, while the Delta 2000 was the ideal dogfighter, and the single-engine Delta 2000 was much more affordable. At the same meeting of the Air Force National Defense Council, an updated Mirage 2000 design was proposed and three prototypes were ordered.
In March 1976, the Air Force published a set of formal requirements, the parameters of which were consistent with Dassault's performance estimates for the new fighter. The aircraft's primary role was interception, with additional attack aircraft capabilities; The Air Force had a contract with Dassault for the supply of 200 aircraft. The first aircraft was due to be delivered in 1982. It was a return to the first generation Mirages, but with several important innovations designed to get rid of the shortcomings of the Mirage 3.
The first Mirage 2000-01 prototype made its maiden flight on March 10, 1978. Following the completion of the first test flights, it became necessary to make some changes to the aircraft's airframe to improve the aircraft's aerodynamics, the most notable of which was a modification to the fin. The aircraft was handed over to CEV (flight test station) on May 23, 1980 and was subsequently used for various static tests until 1988.
According to Dassault Aviation, the aircraft reached speed M2 at an altitude of 6100 meters and 1300 km/h at low altitude. A special feature of the aircraft is its low specific wing load, which is very useful on takeoff and especially during air combat - 220-244 kg/m² compared to its competitor F-16A - 431 kg/m². The wing area of the Mirage-2000 is 15% larger than the wing area of the Mirage-3 aircraft. "Mirage-2000" exceeds the standard of maneuverability of third-generation fighters "Mirage-3" and its rate of climb by more than three times - 305 m/s versus 80 m/s for "Mirage-3". The artificial longitudinal stability system makes it possible to have the required flight characteristics at rear centering and balance at high angles of attack. The gain in lift due to its own instability can be 30% compared to the statically stable Mirage-3.
The Mirage 2000-5 is a significant improvement over previous variants, incorporating comprehensive electronics, sensor and cockpit upgrades to enhance its combat capabilities while reducing pilot workload. The centerpiece of the Mirage 2000-5 overhaul is the Thomson-CSF RDY (Doppler radar multipurpose radar sight) with the ability to detect and auto-track air and ground (surface) targets. The multi-function radar is capable of air-to-ground, air-to-air and air-to-sea operations. In air-to-ground mode, the RDY has navigation and attack capabilities that give it the ability to conduct deep strikes and provide close support.
Operating experience with previous modifications of the Mirage 2000 C, with older single-channel RDI radars, indicated the need for greater air-to-air radar capacity. Following a new tender from the DGA (Directorate General of Armaments), 37 Mirage 2000 C aircraft were modified into the Mirage 2000-5. This new version integrates relatively new technologies and functionality, partly borrowed from the Rafale, mainly a multifunctional RDY radar capable of detecting up to 24 targets and tracking eight targets, including four in priority mode, with the detection range of a reference target (MiG-21) with EPR 2 m² on oncoming courses in air-to-air mode up to 130 km compared to 120 km for the RDI radar and 110 km for the even more ancient RDM radar.
Addition of four hardpoints for MICA air-to-air missiles, which allow up to six missiles to be launched in a fire-and-forget mode without resorting to a data link. The Mirage 2000-5 is optimized for high-altitude interception operations at supersonic speeds of Mach 2,2 at an altitude of 15 m (000 km/h). Thanks to the new Snecma M2340-P53 engine, its maximum take-off weight has been increased from 2 to 16,5 tons. Capable of automatically acquiring multiple targets on first contact, the radar can detect aerial targets flying at altitudes as low as 17,5 m (60 ft). The introduction of a new radar allows the aircraft to use MICA missiles, up to six of which can be launched simultaneously against six air targets. Despite the increase in offensive capabilities, the workload on pilots is offset by the introduction of a multi-screen glass cockpit based on the Rafale design. The aircraft is equipped with an ICMS Mk200 countermeasures system, which contains three radar detectors and an infrared sensor, which are connected to an active jammer unit and a unit for shooting dipole reflectors and infrared traps.
Improvements over the Mirage 2000C included a Thales TV/CT CLDP laser designator unit and a multi-mode RDY radar, which can detect up to 24 targets and is capable of simultaneously tracking eight of them, while simultaneously guiding four MICA air-to-air missiles onto four targets. Defense system upgrades included the ICMS 2 countermeasures system and the Samir DDM missile attack warning system. ICMS 2 includes a receiver and associated signal processing system in the nose to detect enemy missile data and control links and can be interfaced with a new programmable ground-based mission planning and post-mission analysis system. The avionics have also been updated with a new night vision compatible glass cockpit borrowed from the Dassault Rafale, dual-link wide-angle head-up display and HOTAS controls. The Mirage 2000-5 can also carry the larger drop tanks developed for the Mirage 2000N, greatly extending its range.
In addition to France, Mirage 2000 users include: Brazil, Egypt, Greece, India, Qatar, Peru, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. While Brazil and Qatar have completely phased out these fighters, the UAE is gradually replacing Mirages with new aircraft, and Greece is preparing to make a similar move. French resources are limited, although more and more Rafales are entering service with the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace. So where will Paris and Kyiv be able to get the planes that were promised to the Ukrainians?
Twelve examples of the older Mirage 12B and C variants were delivered to Brazil. Used vehicles were purchased from France in 2000 and withdrawn in 2005. The planes were later returned to Paris when purchased by the private company Procor. Today they are used to provide training services for the Air Force, where Prokor pilots act as mock opponents for exercise participants.
Although acquiring ex-Brazilian aircraft is technically possible, the feasibility of such a move seems questionable. This is because the Mirage 2000B and C represent the technical standard of the 1990s. To survive in the Ukrainian skies, these aircraft would require deep modernization, which is what, for example, the French 2000C (raised to the 2000-5F standard) and the Greek 2000EG (upgraded to the 2000-5 Mk2) did. Their technical condition is also unknown. Although the purchase of these machines for the needs of Ukraine seems more likely than Brazilian machines, this is also unlikely.
Egypt, whose air force is renowned for its extremely diverse fleet of combat aircraft, operates 19 Mirage 2000EM and BM aircraft. These aircraft did not undergo the thorough modernization that the French and Greek aircraft underwent. At present, the Egyptian Mirages are not expected to be withdrawn. A few years ago, Cairo placed an order for 30 Rafales in addition to its existing order for 24 fighters, but it can be assumed that they will not replace the Mirage 2000, but only part of the Mirage 5, which is subject to write-off.
The United Arab Emirates is beginning the process of phasing out the Mirage 2000 variants in favor of the brand new Rafale. However, the planes that the Emirates put up for sale will not go to Ukraine. In April of this year, it became known that after years of negotiations, Morocco received the green light to purchase 30 still modern Mirage 2000-9 aircraft from the UAE. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, it is unlikely that Kyiv will acquire these cars.
There is no doubt that India, Peru and Taiwan will not get rid of the Mirage 2000 in the near future. Indians are looking for used aircraft to increase their spare parts inventory and maintain the efficiency of their current fleet. Greece is also being studied for this purpose. Due to problems maintaining the MiG-29 and Su-25 in airworthy condition, there is no indication that Peru plans to retire the Mirages. In turn, the geopolitical situation in Taiwan means that it will be impossible to sell Mirages there. As a result, three countries will remain on the list from which it will be possible to obtain aircraft for the needs of Kyiv.
France
According to Military Balance, in 2023 the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) operated 27 Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. This quantity would be sufficient to equip one or two squadrons of tactical aviation (depending on the adopted structure). In addition, 7 Mirage 2000B combat training aircraft and 65 Mirage 2000D fighter-bombers remain in service. The pace of replacement of the Mirage with the newer Rafale is not impressive.
This is not due to Dassault’s production failure, but to a real crop failure in the form of a number of export contracts in recent years. The popularity of the Rafale is not waning, and in particular, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and... Uzbekistan have become interested in French cars. Further orders from current Rafale users, such as India, are also possible.
The pace of Mirage replacement is also influenced by Paris's practice of offering new users the transfer of a number of Rafale aircraft several years ago from the French Air Force. Croatia and Greece, in particular, took advantage of this opportunity. For this reason, the retirement of the remaining Mirage 2000-5F aircraft from service appears to be a prospect for at least several years. Currently, France can give Ukraine a maximum of a few cars.
Fighter-bombers remain an open question. There was no mention at the Elysee Palace of providing the Mirage 2000 D as part of military aid, although there is no doubt that it would be the most coveted piece for the Ukroluftwaffe. Mirage 2000 D will be effective carriers of SCALP-EG (Storm Shadow) cruise missiles and AASM Hammer guided bombs. They can also carry AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.
It seems most likely that France will transfer Mirage 2000 D strike aircraft to Ukraine, but it is unclear how many aircraft the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace are willing to donate to the Ukrainian Air Force. They were produced later than the single-seat modifications of the Mirage 2000 C, in addition, all of the French Air Force remaining in service underwent a major overhaul of the airframe with life extension, engine replacement and were equipped with modern flight and sighting equipment.
"Mirage 2000 D" is a development of "Mirage 2000 N", designed for delivering high-precision strikes over long distances using conventional weapons. The first aircraft, converted from the Mirage 2000N prototype, flew on February 19, 1991, and the French Air Force ordered a total of 86 aircraft. At the end of March 1994, the first aircraft began to enter service with the French Air Force.
The design of the aircraft basically follows the design of the Mirage 2000 N. The airframe and engine of the aircraft are identical, but the avionics have significant differences. It is based on an improved targeting and navigation system with correction based on data from the Navstar satellite radio navigation system (GPS). It has double redundancy and includes a central processor type 2084 (Dassault Electronics), multifunctional radar Antelope-5 (Thomson-CSF), inertial navigation system Ulysses-52 (SAGEM), receiver of the Navstar system. (GPS), containerized optical-electronic system ATLIS (Automatic Tracking Laser Illumination System, Thomson-CSF), autopilot type 605 (SFENA) and radio altimeter TRT. For operations in adverse weather conditions and at night, the Rubis forward-looking IR station (Dassault, TRT and Intertechnik), located in a hanging container, is used.
In general, the sighting and navigation system of the Mirage 2000D aircraft allows you to fly at low altitude (up to 60 meters) at a speed of about 1000 km/h in automatic mode following the terrain and provide target designation for the use of weapons with laser seekers and inertial guidance systems. The guidance accuracy (CA) of missile launchers with laser seekers, according to French experts, is 1 meter. There are no built-in weapons on the Mirage 2000D. The French Air Force put up with this shortcoming of the Mirage for a long time.
The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (French Aerospace Forces - now the French Air Force is called in the image and likeness of the Russian Aerospace Forces) recently completed a flight test program in Djibouti for the Mirage 2000 D fighter jets in the new RMV (Rénovation) standard Mi-Vie / Mid-Life Upgrade - “middle-life modernization”). The two aircraft, upgraded to the new standard, were deployed from 1 to 20 July at the Avor airbase (Airbase 188 Djibouti) together with the fighter and experimental squadron of the French air and space forces (Escadron de Chasse et d'Expérimentation 1/30 " Côte d'Argent").
The purpose of this campaign was to test the Mirage 2000 D, upgraded to RMV standard, in real combat conditions in hot weather, and to test the new CC422 gun pod in the same conditions. During their stay, the upgraded aircraft performed various tasks in coordination with the Mirage 2000-5 from the Escadron de Chasse 3/11 Corsica fighter squadron and the Forward Air Controllers, testing the entire “ecosystem” of the aircraft in difficult climatic conditions, including support equipment, planning and debriefing systems, etc.
The Mirage 2000 D RMV project was first announced in 2016 with the goal of allowing older aircraft to continue serving alongside the newer Rafale after 2030. The French Air Force has received 55 modernized aircraft (the first was delivered in January 2021) with a planned initial operational readiness of spring 2022. In addition to more modern avionics, this upgrade includes an integrated 30mm autocannon (as the Mirage 2000 D is not equipped with fuselage cannons, as is the French tradition for two-seat fighter versions), new anti-aircraft guns and sensors.
The CC422 gun pod contains a 30mm DEFA 550 F3 cannon with a 250-round magazine and is a development of the CC420 gun pod installed on the Mirage F1B. The new unit, which is shorter than the original one on the Mirage F1, is installed on the left chin rest under the air intake. The CC422 was first tested on the ground in 2018, flight testing began a year later and was successfully completed in 2020. A cannon that could be used during close air support missions was a welcome feature for the Mirage 2000D, as it does not have internal weapons, unlike its single-seat counterparts, the Mirage 2000-5 and 2000C.
As for the suspended weapons, the Mirage 2000D RMV was replaced with the short-range Magic II air-to-air missile with the more modern Mica IR (French Missile d'Interception de Combat et d'Autodéfense - "interception and self-defense missile") for self-defense, the aircraft also received new ASP - guided bombs GBU-48 and GBU-50 Enhanced Paveway III (improved Precision Avionics Vectoring Equipment - “precision guidance aircraft equipment”) with dual guidance modes: GPS / and laser guidance, now joining the already current UB GBU-49 and aerial bombs of the Paveway II series, and are now capable of carrying a SCALP cruise missile on the central ventral pylon. In terms of sensors, the Mirage 2000D RMV will rely on the Damocles module for target designation, as well as the ASTAC (Analyseur de signaux tactiques) ESM / ELINT (Electronic Support Measures / ELectronic INTelligence) module already used by the Mirage F1 "
In terms of avionics, the Mirage 2000D RMV is said to be equipped with new VHF radios, Link 16 data link and Rover video system to better support CAS missions. A new navigation and attack system was also installed with a new interface, which should facilitate dialogue between the crew and the vehicle. Integrated simulation systems will enhance in-flight training capabilities. An interesting detail spotted in the photos is what appears to be a Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display, the same head-mounted HMD system that was chosen for the Rafale. Work was also carried out on the airframe, extending the airframe's service life from 6000 hours to 12 hours, replacing the wing spar and some elements of the fuselage power kit. A major overhaul of the Snekma M000-P53 engine was also part of the modernization program.
The Mirage 2000 D first entered service in 1993 as a dedicated air-to-ground attack platform and has served on all French overseas missions since then. The 2013 Defense and National Security White Paper for the French Air Force proposed a total of 225 strike aircraft (fighter-bombers), necessitating a need to extend the operational life of the Mirage 2000 D. After lengthy consultations with the Ministry of Defense due to budget cuts, the RMV program was finally launched for 71 Mirage 2000 D fighters, which were later reduced to 55 before the contract for the modernization work was awarded to Dassault. Thanks to the work carried out, including life extension, engine repair, and replacement of some outdated equipment with more modern ones, the Mirage 2000 D fleet is in much better technical condition than any other modification, including the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2. "Mirage 2000 D" is a dangerous enemy, the most dangerous of all modifications of the "Mirage 2000", capable of carrying a wide range of air-to-surface anti-aircraft weapons. These are primarily laser-guided bombs - GBU-12/-16/-24/-49, as well as long-range air-to-surface missiles APACHE and SCALP-EG.
Greece
The Greek Air Force (Polemikí Aeroporía) has 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 aircraft. Some aircraft were ordered brand new from Dassault, others were created by rebuilding the existing 2000EG and EGM into a newer variant. At the beginning of February this year, Greek media reported that Athens intends to sell 18 old aircraft in poor condition to India. There they will become a reservoir of spare parts for the 47 Mirage 2000 aircraft serving in the Indian Air Force. At the moment the deal is not completed.
In March, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the Hellenic Air Force was also considering selling the Mirage 2000-5 Mk2. He emphasized that these aircraft still have significant combat potential, which should make it easier to find a buyer. For the same reason, these aircraft should arouse the greatest interest in Kyiv.
Lately, Rafale F3Rs have also been used by Polemics Aeroporia (18 units delivered, 6 more on order). One might assume that the Greeks would be happy to replace all their Mirages with Rafales, but Athens is planning serious purchases of other combat aircraft. In January, it was announced that the US State Department had agreed to the sale of 40 F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Greece.
For this reason, it appears that Ukraine is unlikely to purchase 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 units from Greece (at least in the near future). The waiting period for new F-35As will be several years (if the order is completed), and there are currently no plans to purchase new Rafales. There is a high probability that Kyiv will purchase decommissioned EGM and BGM units, which can be used as spare parts for the remaining Mirage 2000 aircraft purchased for the Ukrainian Air Force.
The Air Force of the Emirate of Qatar (Al-Quwwat Al-Jawiyah Al-Amiriyah Al-Qatariyah) is in service with 12 Mirage aircraft, of which 9 are 2000-5EDA (single-seat) and another 3 are 2000-5DDA (two-seat). Due to the adoption of new types of combat aircraft (F-15, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale), all Mirage aircraft were put up for sale. It seemed that Indonesia would acquire them, but in February this year Jakarta pulled out of a deal worth $790 million. Instead, 42 Rafale fighters will be delivered there.
Most likely, the ex-Qatari Mirage 2000 S will be the first to arrive in Ukraine. It is not without reason that on the eve of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky visited Doha for negotiations with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Sani. A day later, on June 6, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Paris would donate a Mirage 2000-5 to Kyiv and would train Ukrainian pilots. It is difficult to consider this a pure coincidence.
The first aircraft were delivered to the customer in the late 1990s. According to available information, the Qatari Mirage aircraft are well equipped and have not been subjected to intensive use, which may indicate that the airframes of the aircraft are still in good condition. This forecast is for Ukroluftwaffe, which, in accordance with the principle “we cannot save,” cannot afford to purchase vehicles in a questionable technical condition, with reduced combat readiness due to physical wear and tear and depletion of resources.
Western experts believe that, according to the current technical state of the aviation fleets of the countries that own Mirage 2000 fighters of various modifications, it seems most likely to them that Ukraine will purchase the Mirage 2000-5 from Qatar and France. The total number of these vehicles will be enough to equip one tactical aviation squadron in size (16 vehicles).
A separate issue is the need to unify the Ukrainian “Mirages” in terms of “friend or foe” identification systems and data transmission channels, so that they can all operate in the air defense system together with the F-16 and the Soviet MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters from the Ukrainian fleet. "ukroluftwaffe".
The prospect of a potential Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 purchase from Greece seems less likely. The waiting time for aircraft that will replace the indigenous Mirage will be several years, and despite the agreement given by Athens to transfer the aircraft, Athens has a limited budget. A quick transfer of Mirage aircraft from the United Arab Emirates seems equally unlikely. This is because Morocco has priority here, as it can receive up to 30 used fighters from the less than 60 at Abu Dhabi's disposal.
Military Expert Maciej Szopa from the Polish publication defence24 commented on the probable deliveries of the Mirage-2000 to the Ukrainian Luftwaffe:
“In my opinion, Ukraine does not need aviation with large resources, because the point is to quickly increase capabilities and defeat the enemy within a dozen or two months, maximum 2-3 years. This does not require large reserves or excellent technical condition. The speed of delivery “here and now” is important, not long-term plans. This is especially true for the Mirage 2000, which is not a long-term project, unlike, for example, the Gripen, which could be supplied by Sweden in the longer term. Maybe these vehicles will become successors to the Mirages in Ukrainian service? Given the realities of the air war in Ukraine, we are not talking about aircraft that will have to duel with Russian Su-35s and expose themselves to high airframe overloads. It appears that the Mirage 2000 is intended for Ukraine primarily to carry modern long-range air-to-air weapons and precision weapons to destroy ground and surface targets: glide bombs, cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. Almost all of the Mirage 2000 variants mentioned above appear to be valuable in this role, both as combat vehicles, training aircraft, and as spare parts reservoirs.
Aircraft from “niche” countries such as Peru should not be excluded from consideration for deliveries to Ukraine. Currently, they remain in non-flying condition (at least this was the case several years ago), and the backbone of the country's air defense is the MiG-29 fighters. French industry appears capable of purchasing the Mirage 2000 from such export customers. According to Western experts, the most likely exporters seem to be: Greece, Peru, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (which sells only part of its Mirage 2000 to Morocco) and, of course, France. Aircraft from France could come not only from French combat units (single copies obtained by downsizing French squadrons), but also from a fleet of aircraft stored in warehouses.
Considering the scale of production of the Mirage 2000, such a reserve of equipment probably exists, not to mention a large supply of spare parts and even finished components that could be used to modernize and unify the fleet. Regardless of the condition of these machines, within six months the French industry and technical units of the French Aerospace Forces may be able to cope with the production of the first batch - one, maybe two squadrons of aircraft from warehouses and/or purchased export ones, ready for service and modifying them. Such work could have started some time ago. There have been talks about Mirage 2000 aircraft for Ukraine for about a year now. Therefore, it cannot be excluded that certain processes (for example, assessment of opportunities in this area and planning) began many months ago.
An interesting fact is the statement about the possibility of training Ukrainian pilots on the Mirage 2000 in just six months. Previously, Ukrainians were trained in France using simulators, initial training and advanced training machines (Alpha Jets). Maybe they trained more pilots there than are needed for the F-16, and now the cadets will be sent to the Mirage 2000?
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