France to Send More Mirage Jets to Ukraine

France is preparing to deliver an additional batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, Ukraine’s defense minister said on Friday, as Western military support for Kyiv continues.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Paris had informed Kyiv that preparations are under way to transfer more Mirage 2000 aircraft, without disclosing the exact number. Writing on Telegram, he added that discussions are also focused on accelerating delivery schedules and sustaining supplies of AASM Hammer precision guided aerial munitions.

France previously confirmed the first delivery of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine in February 2025. At the time, former French defense minister Sébastien Lecornu did not specify how many aircraft were transferred.

The latest announcement underscores France’s expanding role in strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities as the conflict with Russia continues.

Russia has repeatedly criticized Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing that they undermine prospects for a negotiated settlement and amount to direct involvement by NATO countries. Moscow has described such support as a dangerous escalation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered legitimate military targets. The Kremlin has also cautioned that increasing flows of Western arms will not advance peace talks and could lead to wider negative consequences.

The planned transfer of additional Mirage 2000 jets highlights the deepening military cooperation between France and Ukraine amid continued tensions with Moscow.