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Ukraine responds with French Mirage 2000s to large-scale Russian attacks

After yet another massive Russian bombardment, Kiev deploys Mirage 2000 fighters for the first time, intercepting dozens of enemy missiles and drones

On the night of 7 March 2025, Russia launched a large-scale air strike against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with launches of 67 missiles and 194 Shaheed drones. In response, Ukrainian air defences, supported for the first time by French Mirage 2000 fighters, intercepted a significant number of these attacks, limiting damage and safeguarding crucial areas.

The Russian air attack and the reaction of the Ukrainian defences

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Kiev’s defences intercepted 34 missiles and 100 drones, preventing many from reaching strategic targets. The key contribution of anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups limited the impact of the attack. Among the aircraft involved were, for the first time, French-supplied Mirage 2000s, which joined the more experienced F-16s in countering the Russian forces.

The first Mirage 2000 missions in Ukraine

The French Defence Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, had confirmed in February the arrival of Mirage 2000-5s in Ukraine. The jets are part of a military aid package announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2024, which also included the training of Ukrainian pilots. The Mirage 2000-5s, modernised from the basic version, feature advanced avionics and superior combat capabilities, making them a significant addition to Ukraine’s air defence.

The consequences for the civilian population

Intensified Russian raids have left at least two people injured, an adult and a child, in the Poltava region, where a residential building was also hit. Despite the steady improvement of Ukrainian defences, the impact on civilians is tragic, with many strategic and residential facilities under attack.

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