Ukraine will soon receive two Mirage 2000 fighters from France, while South Korea is considering joining NATO’s PURL initiative to procure U.S. weapons for Ukraine.
Journalist Romain Melcharek reported the French delivery. The Korea Times cited diplomatic sources and official statements from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding PURL.
New Mirage 2000 Fighters
France plans to deliver two new Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine by the end of the first quarter of 2026. These aircraft will complement three planes delivered last year.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that France had begun preparations for the new Mirage 2000 delivery.
By the end of the year, the Ukrainian Air Force will operate four Mirage 2000 aircraft, with plans to reach at least six in the long term. The delivery includes training for pilots and ground crews. Ukraine spends €10 million per year on maintenance for the three fighters already in service.
South Korea to Join PURL
At the same time, South Korea is considering participating in NATO and U.S. PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List), which coordinates arms and ammunition procurement for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s main requests include air-defense systems, HIMARS missiles, and critical ammunition. South Korea’s involvement in PURL will strengthen its defense ties with NATO and allow it to expand arms sales to allies. So far, Seoul focuses on humanitarian and non-lethal military aid.
Ukraine also expects additional deliveries of SAMP/T, Mistral, and Crotale systems, along with ammunition, from NATO partners.
Context
Launched on July 14, 2025, PURL allows European countries to fund U.S. weapons purchases for Ukraine. Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany have already joined the program, contributing over $4 billion.
Through PURL, Ukraine receives air-defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and other military equipment. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasizes the importance of increasing contributions and involving new countries in the initiative.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Japan plans to provide funding for non-lethal defense equipment for Ukraine under the PURL initiative.
