Macron eyes more Mirage 2000 jets for Ukraine, targets US arms dominance

French President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out sending additional Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, including from third countries that operate them.

In an interview with a French newspaper, Macron said France is stepping up its military support for Ukraine while also pushing to expand its defense industry’s role in Europe, per Caliber.Az.

The issue of military aid has become more pressing after reports that Donald Trump’s temporary suspension of U.S. assistance caused delays in updating the software of Ukraine’s F-16 fighters. Beyond aircraft, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who spoke with Macron on March 14, has also requested remotely operated missiles and drones, with their delivery currently under discussion.

Competing with U.S. arms in Europe

France is looking to take advantage of Europe's military rearmament efforts. French defense manufacturers, summoned to the Élysée on March 14, have been instructed to position themselves as an alternative to U.S. defense suppliers.

"I have asked our manufacturers to target European states that typically buy American, despite us having superior systems," Macron said. "If they’re buying Patriot missiles, we should offer the Franco-Italian SAMP/T. If they’re considering the F-35, we should push the Rafale. That’s how we will ramp up production."

To shift European partners away from dependence on U.S. arms, France’s defense industry will need to streamline processes and lower costs. This will require structural changes in production, including workforce expansion through vocational training programs and support for subcontractors.

Expanding France’s defence production

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, France has already made significant progress in scaling up arms production. The Caesar self-propelled howitzer, a key weapon for Ukraine, has seen its annual production jump from 10 units in 2021 to 82 in 2024. Macron now aims to apply this model to other flagship military products, including the Rafale fighter jet.

With European demand for military equipment rising, France’s defense industry is poised for major growth.

By Khagan Isayev