The display of a Ukrainian Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter with six Kh-101 missile kill markings reinforced the growing role of French-supplied jets in the country’s air defense.
The images, released in a promotional video, show the fighter equipped with missiles R550 Magic and external fuel tanks, in addition to recording an interception carried out at night. Although the exact target has not been confirmed, the intercept history released by UKrAF points to the consistent use of these fighters against long-range Russian missiles.
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The Kh-101, the main cruise missile used by Russia, appears repeatedly in official Ukrainian infographics as one of the most shot down targets. The presence of Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters on the air front coincides with the expansion of military cooperation between Ukraine, France and Sweden, including letters of intent for the acquisition of Rafale fighters, SAMP/T systems, SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer guided bombs.
The strengthening of Ukrainian aviation occurs in a context in which neither side has achieved air superiority, but where the arrival of modern systems could change this balance in the coming years.
Despite the increase in kills, the use of fighters against simple drones remains unlikely, as these targets are neutralized with more cost-effective methods by helicopters or ground defenses. Russia continues to carry out combined attacks with missiles, drones and ballistic projectiles, seeking to overload Ukrainian defenses and exploit delays in the replacement of Western weapons. With warnings about dwindling stocks of defensive missiles, the effectiveness of future interceptions — including by Mirage 2000 fighters — will be decisive for the progress of the war.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: @KpsZSU | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
