Mirage 2000 outdated plane compared with Russian aircraft — Rostec

The French-made Mirage 2000, handed over to Ukraine, is an outdated airplane that lags significantly behind modern Russian aircraft, Rostec told TASS.

"The Mirage 2000 is an outdated airplane which does not differ much from the F-16 in terms of flight and technical features. It is considerably behind modern Russian vehicles," the state-run corporation said.

• Su-35S, MiG-31 have much greater effective range than Mirage 2000

The effective range of Russia's Su-35S and MiG-31 planes is many times greater than that of France's Mirage 2000, Rostec told TASS.

"Considering its fighter capabilities, it is a rather average airplane with a very short range. Its effective operating range against air targets, such as fighters, can be estimated at a maximum of 50 kilometers - possibly even less. For comparison, the range of the Russian Su-35S, Su-30SM2, or MiG-31 fighters extends to several hundred kilometers, making it many times greater," Rostec said.

• Mirage 2000 usable only far behind the lines

The Mirage 2000 aircraft, like the F-16, can be used by the Ukrainian army as a fighter jet only far behind the lines, Rostec told TASS.

"The French-made Mirage, like the F-16, can be used as a fighter jet far behind the lines, where it can attempt to chase Russian cruise missiles and long-range drones that are successfully hitting Ukrainian targets. The F-16 has proven to be much worse than expected in this role," Rostec said.

Mirage 2000 fighter jets will be promptly shot down if the Ukrainian army tries to use them for aerial combat or bombing strikes near the front line, Rostec told TASS.

"If attempts are made to use the jets for aerial combat or bombing strikes near the front line, they will be promptly shot down," the state corporation said.