France Increases Pressure and Urges Greece to Transfer Mirage 2000-5s to Ukraine

France is increasing pressure on Greece to supply Ukraine with Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, which are already in service with the Ukrainian Air Force.

This was reported by sources cited by the Greek publication Kathimerini.

This issue has gained greater relevance amid intensified Franco-Greek defense contacts, as Paris seeks broader support for Kyiv.

According to the media, Greece has already provided Ukraine with air defense equipment, including missiles for the Crotale air defense system and other ammunition, but has not yet agreed to transfer the aircraft.

“French officials have offered incentives to overcome Greece’s resistance, including the possibility of supplying additional Rafale fighter jets at a more favorable price,” the media reports.

At the same time, Athens insists that any transfer will require compensation.

As of 2024, Greece has 19 Mirage 2000-5EG Mk2 and 5 Mirage 2000-5BG Mk2 fighter jets in service, with another 10 Mirage 2000EGs in storage.

News of Greece’s plans to decommission and sell its older fighter jet models first emerged in March 2024.

At that time, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed the government’s plans for a radical restructuring of the Greek armed forces as part of “the largest reform program in the history of the modern Greek state.”

To this end, the Hellenic Air Force is considering the purchase of a batch of French Rafale F4.3 fighters.

An order for Rafale F5s is also not ruled out if they become available by 2030, although their entry into service is currently not expected until at least 2035.

One of the reasons for the new procurements is also the upcoming retirement of the Mirage 2000-5 fighters, for which Dassault’s support will cease after 2027.