French Air Force proves dominance against drone threats in Yemen
French Mirage 2000-5F fighters have been effective in countering Shahed drones used by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, reported that approximately ten unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down. A video also appeared online showing one of the fighters engaging a designated target.
French Mirage 2000-5F fighters have shown significant effectiveness in combating Shahed drones employed by Houthi rebels in the Yemen region. According to "Militarny," the fighters downed nearly ten such drones while patrolling the Red Sea.
French fighters vs. Shahed drones
Gen. Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, highlighted the effectiveness of the Mirage 2000-5F and Rafale in countering Shahed-type kamikaze drones. He noted that the crews' experience and the quality of weapon systems once again demonstrated their operational efficiency.
"I commend our combat crews involved in these operations who recently destroyed nearly ten drones, including those over the Red Sea. The quality of our weapon systems and the experience of our crews have once again proven their operational effectiveness," remarked Gen. Bellanger.
It's worth mentioning that Ukraine also employs this type of fighter aircraft. The first French Mirage 2000-5Fs arrived in Ukraine on February 6, 2025. Ukrainian pilots, who completed training in France (French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that the pilots finished training at the end of December 2024), will now participate in the defense of Ukrainian airspace.
France plans to provide Ukraine with between twelve and twenty Mirage 2000-5F fighters as part of military aid. Before delivery to Ukraine, these fighters will be modified to be capable of attacking ground targets.
It should be noted that Mirage 2000-5F fighters feature a single-engine design with a distinctive delta wing. This is a more advanced version equipped with modern weapon systems and a cockpit. The aircraft is over 15 metres long and has a wingspan of about 9 metres. It can operate at altitudes up to 19,000 metres.
With its enhanced systems, the Mirage 2000-5F is a versatile combat tool. It can carry a wide range of armaments, including AASM guided bombs and Mica air-to-air missiles. These fighters can also be used to deliver long-range cruise missiles such as SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow. Thanks to its upgrades, the Mirage 2000-5F offers the Ukrainian army additional capabilities, enhancing their combat potential in the conflict with Russia.
