Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed that French-supplied Mirage 2000 fighter jets were used in combat for the first time on March 7, successfully intercepting Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles during a large-scale air attack.
Russia launched 67 missiles and 194 drones in the overnight assault. Ukrainian forces reportedly managed to shoot down 34 missiles and 100 drones using anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems, and mobile fire groups.
Fighter jets, including Mirage 2000s and American-supplied F-16s, assisted in defending Ukraine’s airspace.
The Ukrainian Air Force has released cockpit footage showing the Mirage 2000 fighter jet intercepting and shooting down the Russian X-101 cruise missile. The images, captured from the pilot’s point of view, depict the moment the missile is engaged mid-flight. The X-101 is a long-range, precision-guided missile frequently used by Russia in strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Ukrainian Air Force fighter jet Mirage-2000s, provided by 🇫🇷 France to 🇺🇦Ukraine, shoot down X-101 cruise missiles in Ukrainian skies, during a russian attack on March 7, 2025!
Thank you to our partners! pic.twitter.com/ndYbfgL8Kx— Ukrainian Air Force (@KpsZSU) March 7, 2025
The Mirage 2000-5 jets were part of a military aid package promised by French President Emmanuel Macron in June 2024. The first aircraft arrived in Ukraine in February 2025 after Ukrainian pilots trained in France. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the deliveries but did not specify how many were sent. Reports suggest six Mirage 2000-5 jets were included in the transfer.
The Mirage 2000-5 is a fourth-generation fighter jet designed for air-to-air combat. It can carry up to six air-to-air missiles and is effective against cruise missiles and drones.
The Mirage 2000-5 and F-16 fighters now operate together as part of Ukraine’s air defense system.
