Mirage 2000-5: how the fighter jets compare to Ukraine’s F-16s

Ukraine is anticipating the arrival of fighter jets from France after French President Emmanuel Macron said the country would be donating a surplus of Dassault Mirage 2000s to Ukraine. These aircraft are much needed in order to bolster Kyiv’s efforts against Russia after more than two years of intense conflict.

The timing of this announcement coincided with the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France said in a statement to the French paper, Le Figaro that “the moment for peace can only come if Ukraine resists.”

This deal has been in the works for months. Zelensky said in February that Ukraine was in talks with France about fighter planes, according to the Ukrainian Pres.

Macron told Le Figaro that the Mirage 2000-5 jets are optimized for air-to-air combat. Ukraine will receive these rather than the older Mirage 2000Cs or air-to-ground Mirage 2000D attack jets.

The different variants of the Mirage jets all have the same shape and performance. They are characterized by a tailless delta wing, a single engine, a nose-mounted multi-mode radar and supersonic speed.

Ukraine is also expecting a donation of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets from its Western allies. The F-16 has a record of versatility and maneuverability. They have been a staple of multiple air forces since the 1970s.

How do the two fighter jets compare?

Design and Development

F-16: The F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), first took flight in 1974. Known for its versatility, the F-16 has been a staple in over 25 air forces, continually updated with advanced avionics and weapon systems.

Mirage 2000-5: In contrast, the Mirage 2000-5, developed by Dassault Aviation, entered service in the mid-1980s. It represents an evolution of the Mirage series, designed for multi-role missions including air superiority and ground attack. The Mirage 2000-5 features a delta-wing design, offering high maneuverability and performance at high altitudes.

Performance

F-16: The F-16 boasts a top speed of around Mach 2 and a combat radius of approximately 550 kilometers. Its Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 engine provides reliable performance and agility. The F-16’s AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar enhances situational awareness and target tracking capabilities, making it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements.

Mirage 2000-5: The Mirage 2000-5, equipped with a single SNECMA M53-P2 engine, achieves a top speed of Mach 2.2 and a combat radius of about 1,550 kilometers. It features advanced avionics, including the RDY radar system, which allows simultaneous tracking of multiple targets. The Mirage 2000-5’s electronic countermeasures and precision-guided munitions capability further enhance its operational effectiveness.

Armament

F-16: The F-16’s arsenal includes AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), and a variety of precision-guided bombs. It also features an M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon and can carry up to 7,700 kilograms of ordnance. Advanced targeting pods like the Sniper XR augment its targeting capabilities.

Mirage 2000-5: The Mirage 2000-5 can carry a diverse array of weaponry, including MICA and Magic II air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, and rockets. It is equipped with a 30mm DEFA cannon and can carry up to 6,300 kilograms of external ordnance. The Mirage 2000-5’s weapons systems are integrated with advanced targeting pods and electronic warfare suites.

Operational History

F-16: The F-16 has a rich combat history, having been deployed in numerous conflicts, from the Gulf War to ongoing operations in the Middle East. Its combat-proven reliability and adaptability have solidified its status as a key asset in many air forces worldwide.

Mirage 2000-5: The Mirage 2000-5, while not as extensively used in combat as the F-16, has been a critical component of several air forces, including France, India, and Greece.

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