When pitted against Russia’s formidable Su-35 fighter and S-400 air defense system, France’s Mirage 2000, supplied to Ukraine, faces challenges and lacks the necessary edge for a decisive victory in direct combat.
France’s decision to provide Ukraine with Mirage 2000 fighters marks a notable shift in European military support for Kyiv, according to our correspondent.However, numerous experts express concerns regarding the Mirage 2000’s capability to effectively compete against Russia’s Su-35 fighter and S-400 air defense system when deployed in combat.
Although the Mirage 2000 has demonstrated its effectiveness over decades in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and operations in Libya and Syria, the crucial issue is how it will perform against contemporary Russian threats, specifically the Su-35 fighter and S-400 air defense system.
Comparing the Mirage 2000 and Su-35
The Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation, which first took to the skies in 1978. It has since become a cornerstone of the French Air Force and other allied nations. This fighter is equipped with a variety of advanced weapons systems and avionics, allowing it to perform effectively in both air-to-air and ground attack roles.In contrast, the Su-35 is regarded as one of the most advanced fighter aircraft globally. Developed by Russia as an enhancement of the Su-27, the Su-35 features significant upgrades in avionics, operational range, maneuverability, and weapons systems. Its advanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities provide the Su-35 with an edge in long-range detection and engagement.
In close-range dogfights, the Su-35’s agility is significantly enhanced by its thrust-vectoring engines, raising concerns about the Mirage 2000’s ability to compete in direct engagements. The Mirage 2000, which is over 40 years old and lacks thrust vectoring technology, may struggle against this modern fighter.Experts have varying views on the Mirage 2000’s effectiveness in countering the Su-35 during air combat. Justin Bronk, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), warned that while the Mirage 2000 was an impressive aircraft for its era, it falls short against the Su-35 in nearly all critical performance metrics, particularly in radar range and electronic warfare capabilities.
Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s best strategy is to utilize the intelligence and command-and-control networks provided by Western allies to counterbalance the Su-35’s advantages.In terms of speed and agility, the Su-35 has a slight edge, with a top speed of Mach 2.25 (2,756 km/h) compared to the Mirage 2000’s Mach 2.2 (2,695 km/h). However, in modern air combat, beyond-visual-range capability is more crucial, where radar and missile systems play a vital role.
The Su-35 is equipped with the advanced Irbis-E radar, capable of tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously and engaging eight of them from distances of up to 400 km. In contrast, the Mirage 2000 features the RDY radar, which, while powerful, lacks the same operational range and multi-target tracking abilities, making it challenging for the Mirage 2000 to approach the Su-35 without being detected.Furthermore, the Su-35’s R-77 and R-27 air-to-air missiles possess a longer effective range than the Mirage 2000’s MICA missiles. Although the MICA is highly maneuverable and can lock onto targets after launch, its range of around 80 km is significantly less than the R-77, which can engage targets at distances of 110 km.
This disparity places the Mirage 2000 at a disadvantage, compelling pilots to rely heavily on tactical skill, surprise tactics, and possibly assistance from air defense systems to level the playing field.Adding to these challenges is Russia’s S-400 air defense system, regarded as one of the most sophisticated in the world. The S-400 can effectively destroy aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ballistic missiles from a range of 400 km. It employs various missiles designed to intercept different types of targets at varying altitudes, leaving the Mirage 2000, which lacks comprehensive stealth features, vulnerable.The threat posed by the S-400 system presents a significant challenge, as its capability to detect and engage aircraft at long distances means the Mirage 2000 must operate outside the S-400’s effective range to avoid being shot down.
