Greece Likely to Offer Mirage 2000-5 Jets to Ukraine Following Unsuccessful Sales Negotiations with Indian Govt

Discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of Ukraine receiving additional Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to strengthen its air capabilities. French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested that countries currently operating these aircraft could potentially supply them to Kyiv, complementing France's own commitment.

France has already promised a number of its Mirage 2000-5F aircraft to aid Ukraine's defence efforts. However, President Macron's comments open the door for other nations flying the Mirage 2000-5 variant to contribute. As of now, no other country has formally announced plans to transfer these specific jets to Ukraine.

Attention has turned towards Greece as a possible source for these fighters. The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) operates a fleet of Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 jets, an advanced version of the aircraft. Notably, recent efforts by Athens to sell these aircraft, including negotiations with the Indian government, did not result in a deal. According to reports, India may have found the cost of upgrading and maintaining the older platforms prohibitive compared to acquiring newer aircraft.

Furthermore, Greece is in the process of modernizing its air force. The HAF is actively integrating newer Dassault Rafale fighters, with deliveries ongoing. Consequently, Greece's Mirage 2000-5 fleet is expected to be gradually phased out, potentially becoming non-operational within the next couple of years, making them available for transfer. Open-source information indicates Greece originally acquired 25 Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2s (15 new builds and 10 upgrades from older Mirage 2000EGMs) and has ordered a total of 24 Rafales.

This situation could pave the way for a mutually beneficial arrangement. Industry analysts suggest Greece might consider transferring its surplus Mirage 2000-5s to Ukraine. In return, Greece could potentially negotiate favourable terms with France for acquiring additional Rafale jets or support packages, thus accelerating its own air force modernization goals while providing crucial support to Ukraine.

Should such a transfer occur, it would provide a significant boost to Ukraine's aerial combat power. The Dassault Mirage 2000-5 is a capable multirole fighter aircraft, respected for its advanced avionics suite, radar systems, and effectiveness in air-to-air engagements using missiles like the MICA RF/IR.

Its integration could enhance Ukraine's ability to contest airspace and conduct various mission types against invading forces. However, no official confirmation of such a deal involving Greece, France, and Ukraine has been made public at this time.

 

[R. Singh]

Better we buy Greek Mirage-2000-5 !

 

[Somebody]

Wish we could give all our vintage jets to some country and get new ones instead.

 

[Hari Sud]

War is over. Ukraine has no money to pay. India is the best deal for Greece.

 

[Mango_Indian]

US has stopped all aid to Ukraine. Where will Ukraine get money to buy these Mirages ? The only customer who can pay and needs these aircraft is India. But hey, this ain’t a transport or VVIP aircraft which are the only types of aircraft India is very interested to buy.

India has multiple issues buying fighter aircraft. So, deal in limbo.

 

[Kira]

War is over. Ukraine has no money to pay. India is the best deal for Greece.

Sure, but I don't think India will likely purchase any Mirages if they are offered at very high prices for the limited capability they bring (as upgrading them will cost a bomb) or if the intention was only for using them for spares, then the IAF may not be willing to pay so much to begin with.

As for Ukraine, yeah, the war is over, but the Ukrainians would want to restock their air force with newer jets, whichever ones they can easily obtain, even though they may not be ideal for the situation like these Mirages.

 

[Tls Mani]

No point in buying aircraft that has a limited life of 2 years. How many sorties can it do without maintenance problems?

 

[Sridhar]

SU-35 is far superior to the Mirage 2000s. Ukraine has already curtailed its F-16 sorties. The same will happen to the Mirages as well. SU-35 is a generation ahead of the Mirages.

 

[coke]

If France is so worried about Ukraine, why not produce brand new Rafales for them? Probably because of strong opposition from political opposition leaders? With Rafale and Mirage, Ukraine will definitely gain some edge over Russia.

 

[Avada kedavra]

If France is so worried about Ukraine, why not produce brand new Rafales for them? Probably because of strong opposition from political opposition leaders? With Rafale and Mirage, Ukraine will definitely gain some edge over Russia.

There is huge backlog.

 

[Avada kedavra]

India said no?! Are they insane? At a time when the air force squadron strength is at an all-time low and approaching Pakistan's level. Get whatever deal possible.

 

[Avada kedavra]

Wish we could give all our vintage jets to some country and get new ones instead.

MiG 21 and MiG 29 were supposed to be retired, but due to no alternatives, they have been given "life extensions," just like how North Korea has extended the life of Korean War-era MiG 15s.

 

[Sandeep]

The price that they are offering to sell the jets are too high. Its lifespan isn’t that long and converting the technology and equipment to make it compatible with our air force will cost a lot of money as we will need to buy it from France.

 

[Sos]

India said no?! Are they insane? At a time when the air force squadron strength is at an all-time low and approaching Pakistan's level. Get whatever deal possible.

It's better to have a lower squadron than to lose pilots and air force reputation every single month thanks to limited maintenance spare parts.

 

[Akshat]

War is over. Ukraine has no money to pay. India is the best deal for Greece.

It is not Ukraine which will pay. The EU is still pumping massive amounts of money into Ukraine and Russian seized assets have already been converted as a war chest for Ukraine. The EU passed a law before Trump came to power to use funds seized from Russia, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars, to fund Ukraine.

 

[Kira]

War is over. Ukraine has no money to pay. India is the best deal for Greece.

True, but the Ukrainians would certainly rearm to the extent they are able to do so after this war ends.

 

[coke]

There is huge backlog.

Dassault is ramping up to 36 per year. Even LM can go to 60 per year, so Dassault can achieve 42 to 45 at least. I know both companies differ much on revenue, but where there is a will, there is a way, and if not, then make it.

 

[BCharlie]

Wish we could give all our vintage jets to some country and get new ones instead.

Lets force it on Nepal, Maldives, Sudan etc; and then send our teams to get runways & airbases ready, setup maintenance facilities & train their pilots.. make money all the way;

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Good decision from IAF in rejecting the used mirages in a desperate attempt to bolster IAF's depleting fighter squadrons. IAF chief should put more effort by talking sense with the Indian bureaucracy on the importance of acquiring 114 MRFA sooner than dragging their feet for much longer.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

War is over and Zelensky will be replaced after elections.

Agree, but Zelensky is an ineffective and inexperienced political leader with a weak military. The Europeans, especially France and Britain, are championing Ukraine because of its rich mineral resources. All are actors.