Unique footage: Ukrainian Armed Forces show how Mirage-2000 shoots down Russian missiles
8 March 06:27
FOTO
The Ukrainian military has released unique footage showing the moment when Russian X-101 cruise missiles were destroyed by Mirage-2000 fighters. The defenders of the sky received these aircraft from France. This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
The photos were taken directly from the cockpit of a Ukrainian pilot during a massive Russian attack on March 7.
“Historic photos from a Ukrainian pilot! Mirage-2000 fighters of the Air Force, provided by France to Ukraine, shoot down X-101 cruise missiles in the Ukrainian sky during a Russian attack on March 7, 2025. We thank our partners,” the statement reads.
The photo shows French fighter jets successfully intercepting and destroying enemy missiles that threatened Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
It should be noted that French Mirage-2000 fighters, which arrived in Ukraine just a month ago, took part in repelling an enemy air attack for the first time on the night of March 7.
On February 6, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that the first French Mirage 2000 fighter jets with Ukrainian pilots on board, who had undergone several months of training in France, had arrived in Ukraine.
It is known that the Mirage 2000-5Fs have been decommissioned by the French Air Force and modified to perform more complex tasks than before. In total, Ukraine is to receive about ten Mirage fighters.
French specialists have reportedly modernized these aircraft to carry and fire SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Ukraine has both versions of the missiles.
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In February, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed an agreement on security cooperation.
The agreement between Ukraine and France provides for the allocation of 3 billion euros for defense this year, clear and principled support from Paris for Ukraine’s full membership in NATO, sanctions against Russia for the war, and accountability for the political leadership of Russia and all war criminals.
What is known about Mirage 2000-5
The Mirage 2000-5 is an upgraded version of the famous French Mirage 2000 fighter developed by Dassault Aviation. This version features improved avionics and weapons, which makes it effective both for gaining air superiority and for striking ground targets.
Main characteristics of the Mirage 2000-5:
- Maximum speed: 2340 km/h (Mach 2.2).
- Combat radius: 1488-1550 km.
- Flight range: 3335 km.
- Practical ceiling: 18 km.
Armament:
- MICA air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 80 km (infrared and radar homing warheads).
- Exocet anti-ship missile.
- Missile for ground strikes SCALP.
- AS37 anti-radar missile.
- AASM Hammer air bombs.
These fighters are capable of performing a wide range of tasks: from air defense to precision strikes on enemy targets.
The Mirage 2000-5F is reportedly optimized for the use of SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which expands Ukraine’s capabilities.
