After France announced that it will deliver Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets optimized for aerial combat to Ukraine, Newsweek compared these French aircraft to the American F-16s, which are also expected to enter service with the Armed Forces in the near future. In general, experts are skeptical of French fighters, stressing that they are unlikely to be able to change the situation on the battlefield and in the air, which is currently not in favor of the Armed Forces. The Air Force of Ukraine also emphasized that the priority remains the supply of American F-16s.
According to Newsweek, in many respects, the French car of the fourth generation is superior to the American one. In particular, the publication's analysts emphasize that the “Mirage” is not inferior in characteristics and performance to the American F-16. Main characteristics:
- Mirage 2000-5: developed by Dassault Aviation, put into service in the mid-1980s. The aircraft has a triangular wing, which provides high maneuverability and performance at high altitudes. The maximum speed is Mach 2.2, the combat radius is about 1,550 kilometers. It is equipped with modern avionics, in particular the RDY radar system, which allows simultaneous tracking of several targets. Armament includes MICA and Magic II air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and missiles, a 30 mm DEFA cannon and up to 6,300 kg of external ordnance.
- F-16: developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), first flew in 1974. The aircraft is known for its versatility and constant upgrades. The maximum speed is about Mach 2, the combat radius is about 550 kilometers. Engine Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 provides reliable operation and maneuverability. Armament includes AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, and up to 7,700 kg of ammunition.
When compared combat history of the aircraft, the F-16 has been actively used in numerous conflicts, including the Persian Gulf War and operations in the Middle East. The Mirage 2000-5 is less actively involved in combat operations, but is an important component of several air forces, including France, India and Greece.
Spokesman of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ilya Yevlash said on the air of the telethon that, although the Mirage 2000-5 are effective aircraft, the priority now remains the supply of American F-16s. All the more so since Ukrainian pilots have already been trained for them and very soon will begin to perform combat missions in Ukraine.
“We are using the forces and means we have. However, now we are counting on , of course, on the F-16, this is our main aircraft, which will soon arrive in Ukraine and will be able to effectively perform combat tasks,” Yevlash emphasized.
He also added that Ukraine does not exclude supplies other fighters in the future. And like all modern aircraft, the Mirage 2000 can effectively perform combat missions, including air and ground strikes, but “the F-16 remains a priority.”