**French Mirage Fighter Jets Arrive in Ukraine**
The first French Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets have arrived in Ukraine, according to French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The planes were pledged by France to Ukraine in June last year.
The Mirage 2000-5s will be used for defending Ukrainian airspace. They are equipped with advanced avionics and can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The jets have a range of up to 250 kilometers and can also conduct strikes using long-range bombs.
**What Are the Mirage 2000-5s?**
The Mirage 2000 is a multirole supersonic jet that was introduced by Dassault in the 1970s. The 2000-5 variant has advanced avionics, enhanced firing capabilities, and a modern sensor and control system. It has a high-quality radar and can carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
**How Can Ukraine Use Them?**
The Mirage jets are versatile and can be used for ground strikes, intercepting missiles, and countering drones. They can also deploy anti-ship Exocet missiles and AS 37 anti-radar missiles. Analysts believe the arrival of these planes will help defend Ukrainian airspace.
**Other Developments in Ukraine**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the operation in Kursk Oblast may become an “important part” of future negotiations to end Russia‘s war. Russia launched 77 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight, which were confirmed hit by Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine registered 495,090 deaths of various causes in 2024, which is almost three times more than were born, according to data published by the Justice Ministry.
The United States has announced plans to cut a deal with Ukraine, with President Donald Trump saying that he wants to give Ukraine weapons and aid in return for its “rare earths and other things.”