The jets will help defend Ukraine against Russian attacks.
PARIS — The first French-made fighter jets donated to Kyiv reached Ukraine today, the French government announced.
« On June 6, 2024, [President] Emmanuel Macron announced the delivery of French Mirage 2000s to Ukraine. The first of them arrived in Ukraine today, » Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu posted on X.
« With Ukrainian pilots trained for several months in France on board, they will now help defend the skies over the Ukraine, » he added.
It’s unclear how many warplanes are being given to the Ukrainian armed forces; French officials have refused to disclose a number.
In June, Lecornu insisted the donations “would not damage” France’s own defenses. Mirage 2000-5s are used for NATO missions, among others.
Ukraine also operates U.S.-made F-16s donated by countries including Denmark and the Netherlands.
