ALBAWABA - Speaking to French TV stations on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that as a result of a new military partnership with Kyiv during its conflict with Russia, France would train Ukrainian pilots and donate surplus Mirage 2000 warplanes fighter planes from France to Ukraine.
Macron stated that his government would publicly announce on Friday that it will be providing Ukraine the warplanes as part of the commemorations of D-Day anniversary, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to France. However, specifics such as the quantity of warplanes, the deal value, and the dates of delivery were not disclosed.
The French leader continued by adding that his country has offered to train 4,500 troops from Ukraine. While he did not specify where the troops would get their training, he affirmed that there are currently no French military trainers on Ukrainian territory.
Earlier in September, Zelenskiy stated that he had reached a consensus with Macron about the training of pilots from Ukraine in France.
Macron clarified that the aircrafts will not be previous Mirage 2000Cs or air-to-ground Mirage 2000D attack planes, but rather Mirage 2000-5s, which are designed for air-to-air warfare, according to Forbes, noting that every model has the same fundamental design and functionality, including a single engine, a multi-mode radar located in the nose, a tailless delta wing, and supersonic speed.
“Tomorrow we will launch a new cooperation and announce the transfer of Mirage 2000-5, to Ukraine” Macron said, adding that “The moment for peace can only come if Ukraine resists.”
