French Mirage 2000 Crashes in Ukraine after Reported Equipment Failure

A Mirage 2000 fighter jet supplied by France to Ukraine crashed in the country’s north-western Volyn region due to equipment failure, Ukraine’s military confirmed on Tuesday.

The pilot safely ejected and was found in stable condition. There were no casualties on the ground. This marks the first reported loss of a Mirage 2000 since Ukraine began receiving the aircraft from France earlier this year. The military said the pilot had alerted the flight controller before executing an emergency ejection.

The Mirage 2000 is a French multi-role combat aircraft first flown in 1978 and currently operated by several countries, including India, Egypt, the U.A.E., and Greece. Known for its high-altitude capability and twin 30mm guns, the aircraft is part of Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its air defenses as the war with Russia continues.

The incident occurred as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for fresh talks with Russia in Istanbul. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s top priority is a ceasefire and the return of captured civilians and children. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s former defense minister and current secretary of the security council, will lead Kyiv’s delegation. This will be the first round of peace talks between the two countries in nearly two months. The Kremlin has said only that it “hopes” talks will happen this week.

Elsewhere, Russia launched its July Storm naval exercise involving more than 150 warships, 120 aircraft, and over 15,000 personnel across four seas. The drills include training with precision weapons and uncrewed systems and will run through July 27.