Ukraine: First Mirage 2000 Loss Due to Technical Fault

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have suffered their first loss of a French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The loss is attributed to a technical fault during a mission.

The aircraft's pilot ejected and is in good health. "Unfortunately, we lost a fighter aircraft. A French aircraft, very effective, one of our Mirage fighters," Zelensky stated.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The pilot reported a malfunction in the aeronautical equipment and successfully ejected.

This loss is a setback for the Ukrainian army, which faces equipment shortages. Operators and maintainers had been trained in France for these aircraft, deliveries of which began earlier this year. The aircraft have been modified to counter Russian interference.

According to reports, the Ukrainian Air Force has also suffered losses of American-made F-16s.