Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has received over 51 aircraft from its partners, including MiG-29, Su-25, F-16, and Mirage-2000 models. An additional 85 aircraft are expected to be transferred in the future.
In early February, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the Ukrainian Air Force had received its first French Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters from the Netherlands. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has acquired more than 50 aircraft, including older Soviet models that Ukraine had previously sold but later regained, as well as modern F-16s and Mirage 2000s. Aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap, in a statement to UNN, discussed the features of these Western aircraft and their roles in combat.
“Ukraine’s skies are becoming more secure. The Air Force of Ukraine has received long-awaited reinforcements—the first French Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters from the Netherlands. These modern combat aircraft are now in Ukraine and will soon commence combat missions, strengthening our defense and improving our ability to counter Russian aggression effectively,” Umerov stated.
Ukraine Receives First Mirage 2000 and F-16 Fighters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to France for the transfer of Mirage 2000 fighter jets, emphasizing that they are already operational in Ukraine’s defense.
“An important step in the development of our military aviation is the delivery of Mirage fighters from France, as agreed with President Macron. They are already actively defending our country. Further reinforcements are expected, including additional F-16s from the Netherlands,” Zelenskyy said.
Number of Transferred Aircraft
The exact number of aircraft transferred has not been disclosed, but according to previous agreements, Ukraine is expected to receive up to 20 Mirage 2000-5F aircraft. French President Emmanuel Macron did not specify the exact number of Mirage 2000-5 fighters being delivered, citing security concerns.
Ukraine’s Air Force Before 2022
In November 2023, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, told The Economist that at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine had only 120 combat aircraft.
“Air power is critical. Control of the sky is essential for large-scale ground operations. At the beginning of the war, we had 120 combat aircraft, but only one-third of them were operational,” Zaluzhnyi said.
Most of Ukraine’s fleet consisted of old Soviet aircraft, including MiG-29, Su-27, Su-24, and Su-25 models. Until 2022, discussions with international partners about supplying Ukraine with aircraft were virtually nonexistent.
According to OSINT analysts, during the full-scale invasion, Ukraine lost 103 aircraft, including transport and training planes.
Transferred Aircraft
Since the invasion began, EU countries have supplied Ukraine with more than 51 aircraft, with an additional 85 planned for future delivery. Until 2024, the majority of aircraft transferred were Soviet-era models from former Eastern Bloc countries.
North Macedonian Su-25
For example, in August 2022, North Macedonia donated four Su-25 attack aircraft to Ukraine. Interestingly, these same aircraft had been purchased from Ukraine in 2001 for 4 million euros and were now returned free of charge.
Slovakian MiG-29
In April 2023, Slovakia delivered 13 MiG-29 fighters of various modifications, including 10 MiG-29AS models, a Slovak Air Force-specific upgrade with a simplified radar and targeting system.
Polish MiG-29
In May 2023, Poland transferred 14 MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine. In 2024, Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski mentioned that Poland was considering additional MiG-29 deliveries. However, Polish President Andrzej Duda stated that further transfers would depend on ensuring Poland’s airspace was protected by NATO equipment.
Bulgarian Su-25
There were also news reports on the Internet that Bulgaria had provided Ukraine with 14 Su-25 aircraft purchased at the expense of a NATO member state. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov stated that he had no information that his country had sold 14 Su-25 aircraft to NATO countries for Ukraine.
Western Aircraft Transfers: F-16, Mirage-2000, Saab 340 AEW&C, Gripen-39
Discussions about transferring modern Western aircraft intensified in 2023 during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the south. At that time, Zaluzhnyi pointed out that Western armies would never launch an offensive without air superiority, yet Ukraine had not received modern fighter jets. He compared fighting without aircraft to “going into battle with bows and arrows.”
Despite these concerns, the first F-16s only arrived in Ukraine in August 2024. On August 4, Ukraine officially announced the arrival of the aircraft, with Zelenskyy thanking international partners and expressing pride in Ukrainian pilots who had begun operating them.
The exact number of transferred F-16s is unclear, but sources indicate that approximately six were initially delivered. In total, around 100 F-16s are expected to be provided, with several dozen designated for spare parts and maintenance.
In December, Zelenskyy confirmed that the second batch of F-16s from Denmark had arrived.
F-16 Capabilities and Limitations
AIM-120 missile
Aviation expert Kostyantyn Kryvolap noted that the latest F-16 modifications, such as Block 70/72, share many technological similarities with the F-35, including radar systems and avionics. However, Ukraine’s F-16s were delivered without the Link-16 system, a secure communication network for coordinating with other military assets.
According to Kryvolap, the F-16 is armed with AIM-120 missiles, which have an effective range of 100 to 180+ km depending on the variant. Additionally, the aircraft can engage drones and cruise missiles using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which have a range of up to 40 km.
Role of Mirage 2000-5F and SCALP-EG Missiles
Mirage 2000-5F
In early February, Ukraine received Mirage 2000-5F fighters, a variant featuring enhanced radar, cockpit displays, and compatibility with advanced air-to-air weaponry. Kryvolap emphasized that these aircraft will primarily be used to deploy Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles.
Previously, these missiles were launched from Su-24 bombers, but the Mirage 2000-5F offers a significant advantage by allowing target selection and mission adjustments directly from the cockpit.
Saab 340 AEW&C and Gripen Fighters
Saab 340 AEW&C
In December 2023, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat stated that Sweden was considering transferring Gripen fighter jets. A security agreement signed in May 2024 between Ukraine and Sweden included provisions for aircraft transfers.
Sweden has also promised to supply ASC 890 airborne surveillance aircraft, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to detect and track enemy movements. These aircraft use Erieye radar technology, which provides a 120-degree scanning range on each side and can detect aircraft, ships, and missiles at distances of 300-400 km.
JAS 39 Gripen
Kryvolap noted that while Gripen fighters are of the same class as the F-16 and Mirage 2000, they have unique advantages, including the ability to operate from makeshift airstrips. However, maintenance and repairs require factory-level servicing, which could limit their operational readiness compared to F-16s.
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