Despite ongoing discussions and speculation, France has reiterated its stance of not supplying Mirage 2000D fighter jets to Ukraine in the near future. This decision was confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron during the signing of a bilateral agreement between France and Ukraine in Paris on February 16, 2024. The Mirage 2000D is an upgraded twin-seat iteration of the multirole fighter jet designed by Dassault Aviation during the 1970s. It is tailored for extended-range precision strikes employing conventional armaments. The French Air and Space Force is currently undergoing a modernization initiative aimed at enhancing avionics and enabling the use of a new cannon pod and MICA air-to-air missiles.
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However, in January 2023, Macron disclosed that the forthcoming Military Planning Law (LPM) for 2024-2030 would end in the complete transition of the fighter fleet of the French Air and Space Force to “all Rafale,” indicating the retirement of all Mirage 2000. According to Le Monde, France argues that Ukraine lacks the capability to operate several new fighter models and should prioritize a unified and streamlined approach centered on the F-16 rather than dispersing resources across multiple aircraft types. The French Air and Space Force is involved in the F-16 international coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands.
Although the French Air and Space Force has never employed US-made F-16 fighter jets, it possesses expertise in NATO standard training and procedures. On September 3, 2023, Zelenskyy and Macron reported reaching a deal on training Ukrainian pilots in France. While France's decision may be disappointing for Ukraine, it is important to note that the global political and military landscape is complex and constantly evolving. The transfer of military equipment such as fighter jets is not a simple transaction and involves numerous factors including strategic considerations, technical compatibility, and training requirements.
In conclusion, while France acknowledges the challenges Ukraine is facing, it maintains its position of not supplying Mirage 2000D fighter jets to Ukraine in the near future. Instead, it supports a more unified approach centered on the F-16 and is committed to training Ukrainian pilots in France. This stance reflects France's strategic considerations and its commitment to a stable and secure Europe.