Ukraine has received Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets and U.S.-made F-16 fighters from its European allies to aid in its war against Russia.
The Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets were reportedly delivered by France while the F-16s were from the Netherlands. The exact number of aircraft delivered and the timing of delivery have not been disclosed by officials from either country, citing security concerns.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on X that the Mirage 2000 jets arrived in Ukraine with Ukrainian pilots onboard after months of training in France. “They will now take part in defending Ukraine’s skies,” he stated.
Large scale maintenance exercise with urgent and defensive air response.
Goal : launch of the Mirage 2000-5F in “war” configuration in response to a sudden high-intensity combat situation. pic.twitter.com/oAeM7tGO9g
— French Aid to Ukraine 🇨🇵 🤜🤛 🇺🇦 (@aidefranceukr) November 16, 2024
Meanwhile, aside from F-16s, the Dutch deliveries to Ukraine also include spare engines, essential components, and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, according to reports.
The recent F-16 delivery comes as part of a broader effort by Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway to supply Ukraine with approximately 80 US-made F-16 fighters, bolstering its defenses against Russian aggression. The Netherlands had pledged 24 F-16s to Ukraine.
Ukraine has received F-16 jets from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Thank you, Netherlands! 🇺🇦🤝🇳🇱
The Netherlands’ support is another significant step that brings us closer to victory and ensures the reliable protection of Ukrainian cities and citizens. pic.twitter.com/MmqzIwFhrx
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 6, 2025
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov confirmed the deliveries. He expressed gratitude to France and the Netherlands for the support, stating that the newly arrived aircraft “will soon begin carrying out combat missions, strengthening our defense and enhancing our ability to effectively counter Russian aggression.”
A meeting involving Ukraine, its main European allies, the United Kingdom, and the United States is scheduled for February 12 to discuss further support for Kyiv.
