(Video) French Warplanes Boost Ukraine’s Ability to Destroy Russian Command Centers

Ukraine has received a batch of French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, significantly boosting its ability to strike Russian command posts and disrupt enemy coordination on the battlefield. The single-seat supersonic aircraft, modified to carry SCALP EG cruise missiles, provide Kyiv with enhanced firepower to counter Russia’s numerical advantage in troops.

Last week, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that the first three Mirage 2000 aircraft had arrived in Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots were trained in France throughout 2024 in preparation for their deployment. Over the course of the three-year war, Ukraine has lost around 100 Soviet-era aircraft, necessitating the introduction of modern Western jets such as the Mirage 2000 and F-16 to its fleet.

While Ukraine primarily uses F-16s for air defence, intercepting Russian missiles and kamikaze drones, the Mirage 2000 will be actively employed in striking enemy ground targets. Reports from French media confirm that the aircraft have been adapted to deploy both SCALP EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, which are capable of destroying heavily fortified enemy positions, including bunkers and headquarters.

Ukraine’s New Fighter Jet Capabilities

Earlier in 2025, ahead of a new counteroffensive in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces launched multiple attacks on the command post of Russia’s 810th brigade. Military analysts remain uncertain about the full scope of Ukraine’s plans for the Mirage 2000s, as details about the number of SCALP EG missiles received from France and Italy remain undisclosed. Paris has allocated $2 billion in 2025 for new ammunition production, including these advanced cruise missiles, though the French government has admitted to limited stockpiles.