Ukrainian Mirage-2000 Downs Russian Kh-101 Cruise Missile in First Combat Mission

A Ukrainian Mirage-2000 fighter jet successfully intercepted a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile during a large-scale missile and drone attack on March 7, marking the aircraft’s first recorded combat engagement.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Mirage-2000 jets were deployed to intercept a group of incoming cruise missiles. The aircraft engaged the target on a head-on trajectory, launching an air-to-air missile at a sharp angle. The missile’s maneuverability allowed it to adjust course mid-flight and neutralize the Russian cruise missile.

The engagement was documented from both the attacking aircraft and a second jet flying in formation. While the exact missile type used was not disclosed, it is likely that French-supplied MICA air-to-air missiles were employed.

This marks the first confirmed combat action of Mirage 2000-5F aircraft in Ukrainian service. The Ukrainian Air Force Command noted that these fighter jets had arrived in the country only a month prior as part of France’s military assistance program. The initial batch of three aircraft was delivered in early 2025.

Before being transferred, the Mirage-2000 jets underwent modifications enabling them to engage ground targets. The aircraft are also capable of deploying SCALP EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles and AASM guided bombs, which Ukrainian pilots have already used in previous operations.

During the overnight attack on March 7, Russian forces launched a combined strike using various missiles from air, land, and sea platforms, targeting critical infrastructure. Preliminary data indicates that a total of 261 aerial threats were involved, including 67 missiles and 194 drones, among them decoy UAVs.

In response, Ukrainian air defense forces deployed fighter jets, mobile fire groups, electronic warfare systems, and air defense missile units.

Alongside Mirage-2000 jets, F-16 fighters were also engaged in repelling the attack. Ukrainian forces reported the interception of 25 Kh-101/Kh-55SM cruise missiles, eight Kalibr cruise missiles, one Kh-59/69 guided missile, and 100 attack drones. Several additional missiles failed to reach their intended targets.

The Mirage 2000 is a French-designed fourth-generation multi-role fighter equipped with a delta wing configuration. Over 600 units were produced before production ended in 2007. While phased out in favor of the Dassault Rafale in the French Air Force, the Mirage-2000 remains in operational service with multiple air forces worldwide.