Military expert and retired captain Vasily Dandikin has predicted that the French-made Mirage-2000 fighter jets supplied to Ukraine’s Armed Forces (UAF) will soon be destroyed on the battlefield. The UAF has recently deployed these fourth-generation aircraft during operations to defend critical energy infrastructure. Dandikin noted that the Mirages, which are analogs to the Russian MiG-22 and the American F-16, are not the most advanced variants available, especially when compared to France’s current Rafale fighters. He emphasized that while a limited number of Mirages have been provided, their use comes with caution due to their increased vulnerability to Russian air defense systems, particularly the long-range S-400 missile systems. Dandikin anticipates imminent reports of downed Mirages, underscoring the aircraft’s strategic significance and their potential impact on Ukraine’s defensive capabilities amidst ongoing threats to its energy sector.
