Mirage-2000 Jet Intercepts Russian Cruise Missile in First Kill in Ukraine

A Ukrainian Air Force Mirage-2000 fighter jet shot down a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile on March 7, marking the first confirmed kill by these French-supplied aircraft in Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Mirage-2000 was part of a pair of fighter jets sent to intercept a group of incoming Russian cruise missiles. The lead aircraft fired an air-to-air missile at a sharp angle, which turned nearly 90 degrees mid-flight to strike the target. The interception was captured from both the launching jet and the following aircraft.

While the type of missile used remains unconfirmed, it is likely the French-supplied MICA missile. This engagement marks the first recorded combat use of Mirage-2000-5F jets by Ukraine since their delivery from France in early 2025 as part of military assistance.

The French publication La Tribune previously reported that the first batch of Mirage-2000 jets sent to Ukraine included three aircraft, which underwent modifications to carry advanced weapons. These modifications allow the fighters to deploy SCALP EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles and AASM guided bombs.

The Russian strike on March 7 involved 261 aerial attack vehicles, including 67 missiles of various types and 194 drones. The attack targeted critical infrastructure across Ukraine.