Overview

• France has delivered its first batch of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine, with Ukrainian pilots trained in France now operating the aircraft.
• The Mirage 2000-5 jets have been modified to carry long-range SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles, significantly boosting Ukraine's ability to strike ground targets and intercept Russian missiles.
• The Netherlands has also sent additional F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, further strengthening its air fleet and defense capabilities.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude to France and the Netherlands for their contributions to Ukraine's security.
• The delivery of these jets comes as Ukraine faces ongoing challenges in its nearly three-year war with Russia, with both sides experiencing significant losses on the battlefield.