Ukraine has begun operating its Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets with French-supplied MICA medium-range air-to-air missiles, expanding their air defense capabilities

January, around 100 of which were Shaheds, and nine Iskander-M ballistic missiles or S-300 surface-to-air missiles. The Air Force reports that 137 drones have been downed or jammed, but missile hits have been recorded.

Russia launched a sweeping attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Jan. 5. The Kremlin’s latest salvo comprised nine missiles and 165 Shahed-type drones, 137 of which were intercepted, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Still, impact sites were recorded across 10 locations, with debris falling in nine others.

The two attacks mark Ukraine's latest deep strikes as it continues to target Russia's weapons and its vast energy sector.

Ukraine has deployed two more Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to undisclosed locations, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in a press release on

A recently emerged photo shows a Ukrainian Mirage 2000 equipped with a MICA air-to-air missile, after being initially showcased only with the older Magic

The Museum of Strategic Missile Forces tells the story of how Ukraine dismantled its nuclear weapons arsenal after independence in 1991. Today many Ukrainians believe that decision to give up nukes was a mistake.