A report by the French newspaper Le Parisien Matin stated today that negotiations are underway between Emmanuel Macron and the Greek government regarding the transfer of Greek Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, as part of a broader exchange agreement involving French Rafale jets, ahead of the French president’s visit to Greece on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25.

However, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, during a briefing of political editors, was asked about the report and responded that it is not true.

“This is not true, nor could such a thing happen, because the Mirage aircraft are purely operational. Therefore, there is no basis to this information,” Marinakis stated.

How the plan is described

The plan outlined by the newspaper is based on a complex industrial and military mechanism, according to which France proposes purchasing the entire Greek Mirage 2000 fleet so the aircraft can be transferred to the Eastern European front in Ukraine. In return, Greece would secure favorable terms for acquiring next-generation Rafale fighter jets from Dassault, while also advancing the modernization of its Armed Forces under the “Agenda 2030” plan.

The fleet under consideration includes 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk II aircraft, known for their interception capabilities, as well as 17 to 19 older Mirage EGM/BGM models, which could be used as a source of spare parts. However, the success of the plan largely depends on Dassault’s ability to deliver Rafale jets on time, at a moment when demand for the aircraft is already very high.

Key factors for Athens

Beyond the technical aspects, political and geostrategic factors remain significant. Athens must weigh the risk of creating a gap in its air defense, especially regarding security in the Aegean, which is a top priority. At the same time, the planned end of technical support for Mirage 2000-5 aircraft by Dassault in 2027 makes this option more realistic for Greece.

The French Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the initiative is part of a broader European strategy to coordinate resources, aiming to create a cohesive “fighter jet alliance.” The transfer of Mirage aircraft is expected to significantly strengthen Ukraine’s operational capabilities, as these jets can carry SCALP missiles and perform effective air surveillance missions.

According to a military advisor to the French presidency, “this plan represents the most significant boost to Ukrainian air power since the start of the war.” Logistical integration remains a challenge, but France has committed to providing full technical support to accompany the transfer of the Greek Mirage aircraft to Ukrainian territory.

What comes next

The coming weeks are considered critical for finalizing the financial terms of the agreement, with Emmanuel Macron expected to discuss the issue at the highest level and formally ratify the terms during his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. Greece is seeking assurances that no operational gap will arise, while the possibility of including additional equipment, such as advanced air-to-air missiles, is also being examined.

France could include batches of high-performance air-to-air missiles to ensure the immediate effectiveness of the Mirage transfer to Ukraine. Kyiv is now awaiting the final green light from Greek authorities, hoping that this major reinforcement will help protect its cities and critical infrastructure from ongoing Russian air threats.

This issue is expected to remain at the forefront of European military developments until its completion, projected for late April.

Broader implications

This possibility has wider European significance, as it strengthens France’s strategic influence in defense and reshapes how military equipment is managed among allies. Moreover, according to the report, it weakens the taboo around large-scale transfers of heavy weapons and establishes a new model: a “circular economy” of arms.