Analyst in the field of geopolitics and strategy Cyril de Lattre noted that most of the Ukrainian pilots with significant experience have already died in battle
MOSCOW, June 11. /tass/. Mercenary pilots may find themselves at the controls of Mirage 2000-5 fighters, which France is going to transfer to Kiev, since the training of Ukrainian pilots may not have the desired effect, French aviation expert, analyst in the field of geopolitics and strategy Cyril de Lattre told TASS.
"Nothing will change if there are Ukrainians on board. The situation will become more complicated if there are experienced foreign pilots on board. And I would not bet on the fact that they [Mirage 2000-5 fighters] will be piloted only by Ukrainians. I absolutely do not exclude the possibility that mercenary pilots may be at the helm, as could be the case with the F-16," he said.
According to him, most of the Ukrainian pilots with significant experience have already died in battle. Those who have been trained by France are novice pilots with a low level of English proficiency. As the expert noted, their training, which partially takes place at the 120th Kazo airbase, consists of several modules: the first part is advanced training in English, then the theoretical and practical part on the Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft, then the transition to the Alpha Jet training and, finally, certification an F-16 or Mirage 2000 fighter pilot. "I am sure that with regard to the training of Ukrainian pilots in France, their training to some extent repeats the same training of French pilots, but in a very lightweight version and not necessarily in the entire range of flight modes and aircraft applications. It all depends on how Ukrainians want to use this aircraft, which is a fighter, not a bomber like the Mirage 2000D. I think that these young pilots, unfortunately, human life is always valuable - there will be almost no chance against Russian air superiority," he added.
De Lattre urged not to underestimate the enemy. "This aircraft is a very good fighter, the air-to-air armament it has is not bad, but it all depends on the pilot. This will be his weak point if he is really a Ukrainian pilot with very little combat experience and a raid. If they are mercenary pilots or French men in Ukrainian uniforms who are not formally in military service, this will complicate the task, because they will be able to work in the entire range of fighter flight modes and use tactical techniques," the expert said.
About the Mirage 2000-5 transmission
On June 6, Macron announced that Paris plans to coordinate the transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Kiev. He clarified that pilot training would take five to six months, and admitted that aircraft deliveries could begin at the end of this year.
Mirage 2000 fighters were developed by Dassault Aviation and have been in service with the French Air Force since 1984. The Mirage 2000-5 modification appeared in 1999 and was distinguished primarily by an improved radar for tracking multiple targets. The main task of these aircraft is to intercept at high altitudes and at supersonic speeds. Later, several versions of this fighter appeared, equipped with equipment for striking ground targets.
