On March 7, a nationwide air alert was declared in Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) utilized French-made Mirage 2000 fighter jets for the first time. This deployment follows the arrival of these aircraft in Ukraine just a month earlier, as confirmed by French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu. While he did not specify the total number of jets being supplied, reports suggest that France may provide up to six Mirage 2000 fighters. These aircraft, optimized for strike missions, are also capable of engaging aerial threats. The air alert continued for approximately 3.5 hours in the Ternopil region, with reports of explosions occurring in Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and other cities. The initial operational use of the Mirage 2000 signals a significant enhancement in Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities and reflects the ongoing international military support amid escalating tensions in the region.
