130-578: The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft ( MMRCA ) competition in India, also known as the MRCA tender , was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Defence Ministry had allocated ₹ 55,000 crore (US$ 6.6 billion) at 2008 prices for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal. The MMRCA tender was floated with
260-559: A STOBAR aircraft carrier without any modification of the planes or installation of catapults on the flight deck. The French government has cleared full technology transfer of the Rafale to India, including that of the RBE2-AA AESA radar which will be integrated into the Rafale by 2010 and also the transfer of software source code, which will allow Indian scientists to re-programme a radar or any sensitive equipment if needed. Without
390-544: A centre stick and left-hand throttles , with both incorporating HOTAS controls. The pilot sits on a SEM MB Mk10 zero-zero ejection seat (a license-built version of the British Martin-Baker Mark 10 ). The instrument panel (in the Mirage 2000 C) is dominated by a Sextant VE-130 head-up display which presents data relating to flight control, navigation, target engagement, and weapon firing, and
520-405: A dogfight and a confirmed shootdown of an IAF MiG-21. Pakistan also claims that an additional IAF Su-30MKI was also shot down in this dogfight. However, India denies the loss of any of its Su-30MKIs and instead claims that a PAF F-16 was shot down in the dogfight by its Mig-21. Pakistan also denies the loss of any of its F-16 in the battle. The only confirmed losses of the engagement were that of
650-538: A 20-ton class fighter aircraft with the Mirage 2000 as the strongest contender. However, the 20-ton MTOW limit requirement was later removed. The IAF required replacements for its frontline strike aircraft like the MiG-27 and Jaguar, which were anticipated to retire by 2015. India's future 5th-generation aircraft , the Russo-Indian Sukhoi/HAL FGFA and the indigenous Medium Combat Aircraft at
780-468: A brake parachute can be fitted under the tail, which can operate in conjunction with the landing gear's carbon brakes to shorten landing distances. A removable refueling probe can be attached in front of the cockpit , offset slightly to the right of centre. An airbrake is fitted above and below each wing in an arrangement very similar to that of the Mirage III. A noticeably taller tailfin allows
910-464: A few. The first use of the term was by the multinational European project named Multi-Role Combat Aircraft , which was formed in 1968 to produce an aircraft capable of tactical strike , aerial reconnaissance , air defense , and maritime roles. The design was aimed to replace a multitude of different types in the cooperating air forces. The project produced the Panavia Tornado , which used
1040-553: A foreign country. On 14 February 2008, Boeing and Tata Industries agreed to form a joint-venture company. The new entity formed in February 2008, will supply components for Boeing military aircraft, including the Super Hornet. In order to satisfy its offset requirements, Boeing has signed long-term partnership agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Industries, and Larsen & Toubro . India initially sent
1170-469: A fully integrated electronic warfare suite, among other updates. In addition, the inventory of Super 530 D and R.550 Magic II missiles would be replaced by MICAs , an order for which was placed in 2012. The first of the two IAF Mirages sent to France to be upgraded made its first flight in October 2013, marking the start of a test campaign that would encompass 250 flights, culminating in the handover of
1300-502: A great deal of interest. Since the IAF already has maintenance and upgrade facilities for the MiG-29, this would mean that the fighter could be brought into service with a minimum of expenditure on infrastructure. A major advantage of MiG-35 is that Russia is committed to transfer the plane's technology, including the new advanced Zhuk Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, to India. In
1430-718: A half times the price of the Mirage F1 and over-engineered, especially compared to the General Dynamics F-16 that had just won orders from a number of European countries. Consequently, during a meeting of the National Defence Council on 18 December 1975, the Super Mirage was cancelled. The ACF was a strike aircraft first and an interceptor second, while the Delta 2000 was the reverse, but
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#17328018718411560-500: A heads-up display, but not an associated head-level display, and lacks a built-in cannon, although cannon pods can be carried. At the urging of the United Arab Emirates, Dassault worked on a further modification of the Mirage 2000-5. Initially dubbed Mirage 2000-9, this variant had the upgrade of the radar and the associated avionics, the change of weapons configuration, and the extension of range. The last Mirage 2000
1690-541: A lighter bomb load compared to contemporaries like the Rafale, which sacrifices air-to-air ability for a heavier payload. Some aircraft, like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen , are called swing-role , to emphasize the ability of a quick role change, either at short notice, or even within the same mission. According to the Military Dictionary: "the ability to employ a multi-role aircraft for multiple purposes during
1820-477: A month. The Formal Proposals will have to be submitted by 28 April 2008. The Proposals will then be technically evaluated to check for compliance with IAF's requirements and other RFP conditions. After that, field trials will be carried out to evaluate the performance. Finally, the Commercial Proposal of the vendors, short-listed after technical and field evaluations, will be examined and compared, and
1950-451: A multirole aircraft with several variants developed, with sales to a number of nations. It was later developed into the Mirage 2000N and 2000D strike variants, the improved Mirage 2000-5, and several export variants. Over 600 aircraft were built and it has been in service with nine nations. The origins of the Mirage 2000 could be traced back to 1965, when France and Britain agreed to develop
2080-688: A prime opportunity for US defence companies to gain a foothold in the Indian defence market, which is estimated to be about US$ 100 billion in the next 10 years. Initially, the Request for Information (RFI) was not issued to Boeing, which decided to field the Super Hornet. The US Government allowed Boeing to participate in the RFI, and later gave permission for the Request For Proposal (RFP). However, any sale of aircraft would have to be approved by
2210-457: A production aircraft occurred 31 March 1993, and service introduction followed in April 1995. Seventy-five and eighty-six Mirage 2000Ns and Mirage 2000Ds were manufactured, respectively. By the late 1980s, the Mirage 2000 was beginning to age compared with the latest models of F-16 fighters. In particular, attention was drawn to the aircraft's inability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, and
2340-521: A radar screen located centrally below it. The SNECMA M53 afterburning turbofan was developed for the ACF, and was available for the Mirage 2000 project. It is a single-shaft engine of modular construction that is relatively light and simple compared to those of the British or American designs. The M53 consists of three low-pressure compressor stages, five high-pressure stages, and two turbine stages. With
2470-550: A secondary role like air-to-surface attack . However, those designed with an emphasis on aerial combat are usually regarded as air superiority fighters and usually deployed solely in that role, even though they are theoretically capable of ground attack. The Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale are classified as multirole fighters; however the Typhoon is frequently considered an air superiority fighter due to its higher dogfighting prowess while its built-in strike capability has
2600-477: A set of munitions similar to that ordered by Egypt, along with ATLIS II targeting pods. The Peruvian Mirages flew combat air patrol missions in 1995 during the Cenepa War . Peru's Mirage 2000s underwent an inspection and partial electronic modernisation programme following a $ 140 million deal in 2009 that involved Dassault, Snecma, and Thales. The aircraft are expected to be retired by 2025. In May 1983,
2730-436: A trailing-edge forward sweep of 3.5°. The flight surfaces on the wings are composed of four elevons and four leading edge slats . A feature of the delta wing is that it offers a comparatively large wing area for a particular design, thereby reducing the wing loading. The wing on a Mirage 2000 has an area of 41 m , giving it a wing loading of some 77 lb/sq ft at a takeoff weight of 33,000 lb, making it much more manoeuvrable than
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#17328018718412860-505: A winner announced. After the winner is chosen, there will be further rounds of negotiation to decide the final price, as well as sensor suite and aircraft configuration, along with other factors, like offsets and maintenance. The first squadron of 18 aircraft will come in a 'fly away' condition, while the remaining 108 will be manufactured in India under ToT. On 8 August 2008, the then IAF Chief Air Marshal Fali H. Major informed that technical evaluations were being conducted and claimed that
2990-576: Is 39.5 squadrons of combat aircraft, with a healthy level of 44 squadrons. However, this level was achieved only in the mid-1980s with the acquisition of the Mirage 2000s , MiG-29s and Jaguars. In addition, most IAF aircraft were comparatively new at the time, being less than 10 years old. Most of the older aircraft would have become obsolete by the mid-1990s, with the rest needing replacement by 2010. However, these aircraft were not replaced, which led to frequent crashes and attrition losses. Reduction in force levels and phasing out of aircraft have meant that
3120-479: Is a combat aircraft intended to perform different roles in combat. These roles can include air to air combat , air support , aerial bombing , reconnaissance , electronic warfare , and suppression of air defenses . The term "multirole" was originally reserved for aircraft designed with the aim of using a common airframe for multiple tasks where the same basic airframe is adapted to a number of differing roles. The main motivation for developing multirole aircraft
3250-470: Is a major advancement over previous variants and embodies a comprehensive electronic, sensor, and cockpit upgrade to expand its combat ability, while reducing pilot workload. The centrepiece of the Mirage 2000-5 overhaul is the Thomson-CSF RDY (radar Doppler multitarget) with look down/shoot down capability. The multifunction radar is capable of air-to-ground, air-to-air, and air-to-sea operations. In
3380-786: Is being replaced in French service by the Dassault Rafale, which became operational with the French Air Force in June 2006. French Mirage 2000s were committed to enforcing the no-fly zone in Libya as part of Opération Harmattan in 2011. On 14 April 2018, four French Mirage 2000-5Fs participated in a joint military operation against the Syrian government with the UK and U.S. during
3510-406: Is cost reduction in using a common airframe. More roles can be added, such as aerial reconnaissance , forward air control , and electronic-warfare aircraft . Attack missions include the subtypes air interdiction , suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD), and close air support (CAS). Multirole has also been applied to one aircraft with both major roles, a primary air-to-air combat role, and
3640-403: Is for 126 aircraft with the option to buy another 64–74 more. While there were reports of the direct order being increased to 200, or split between two vendors, Former Chief of Air Staff of the IAF, Air Marshal S.P. Tyagi stated during Aero India 2007 that the number would remain the same, and would be sourced from a single vendor. The first squadron would be directly supplied by the vendor, while
3770-617: Is offering the Tranche-3 Typhoon for the Indian requirement, equipped with the CAESAR AESA radar. EADS has invited India to become a partner of the Eurofighter Typhoon programme if the Typhoon wins the contract, and will be given technological and development participation in future tranches of the Typhoon. Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of EADS Defense Department, elaborated that if India becomes the fifth partner of
3900-410: Is used when carrying fuel tanks, air-to-ground munitions, or a mix of both. This second mode functions as a g-limiter, preventing heavier munitions from damaging the pylons that they are mounted on, and preventing them from potentially being pulled off of the pylons by excessive G-force. The Mirage 2000 is available as a single-seat or twin-seat multirole fighter. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of
4030-498: The 2001–02 India–Pakistan standoff , IAF Mirage 2000s were used to destroy Pakistani bunkers with precision-guided bombs. The morale-boosting service of the Mirage 2000 in 1999 prompted the IAF to consider the acquisition of a further 126 aircraft. Instead, the Mirage 2000-5 became a contender for the IAF's Indian MRCA competition in competition with the Mikoyan MiG-35 , F-16 Fighting Falcon , and JAS 39 Gripen . In 2004,
Indian MRCA competition - Misplaced Pages Continue
4160-580: The AdA decided to upgrade 37 of their existing Mirage 2000s to the 2000-5 specification as a stopgap before the arrival of the Rafale in AdA service. The upgraded aircraft were redesignated Mirage 2000-5F, and became operational in 2000. They retained the old countermeasures system with the Serval / Sabre /Spirale units and did not receive the ICMS 2 system. A two-seat version was developed, as well, whose rear seat has
4290-459: The AdA had a commitment for 200 aircraft. The first aircraft was to be delivered in 1982. This was a return to the first-generation Mirages, but with several important innovations that tried to solve their shortcomings. The production of the Mirage 2000 involved three construction sites, two located in Bordeaux that specialised in different components. The wings were built at Martignas , and
4420-464: The Armed Forces of India and has the primary responsibility of conducting aerial warfare , defending the Indian airspace , conducting strategic strikes inside enemy territory and providing aerial cover to ground troops. It is the fourth largest air force in the world, with a strength of more than 1,500 aircraft, including more than 750 combat aircraft. The minimum sanctioned strength of the IAF
4550-691: The Bosnian War and the Kosovo War . During Operation Deliberate Force , on 30 August 1995, one Mirage 2000D was shot down over Bosnia by a 9K38 Igla shoulder-launched missile fired by air defence units of the Army of Republika Srpska , prompting efforts to obtain improved defensive systems. Both crew members were captured and later released through mediation with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia . French Mirage 2000Ds later served with
4680-630: The Dassault Rafale and lack of orders, the Mirage production lines were to be closed down. French officials stated that they could be kept open if India had made a firm commitment. However, the Indian Government decided to go in for a multi-vendor tendering process. Requests for Information (RFI) were issued in 2004. The RFIs were initially sent to four vendors: Dassault ( Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 ), Lockheed Martin ( F-16C/D ), Mikoyan ( MiG-29OVT ), and Saab ( JAS 39 Gripen ). Due to
4810-588: The F-22 Raptor . Below is a list of some current examples. Dassault Mirage 2000 The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, single-engine, delta wing , fourth-generation jet fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation . It was designed in the late 1970s as a lightweight fighter to replace the Mirage III for the French Air Force ( Armée de l'air ). The Mirage 2000 evolved into
4940-552: The Farnborough Airshow in September 1978, during which Dassault pilot Guy Mitaux-Maurourd raised the aircraft's nose to 25° angle of attack (AoA) as the aircraft slowed to 190 km/h (100 kn). Later tests showed that the aircraft could attain 30° AoA while carrying fuel tanks and weapons. The second prototype, No. 02, made its 50-minute first flight in September 1978 at the controls of Maurourd. The aircraft
5070-521: The Indian Air Force (IAF) learned of a successful approach by Pakistan to the US that year to purchase F-16A/B fighters, delivery of which was to commence in 1982. By late 1980, the IAF had quickly convinced the Indian government to purchase an equally potent aircraft, as its MiG-21s and MiG-23s were inferior to the F-16. When evaluating the Mirage F1 earlier, it became aware of a high-performance prototype of
5200-579: The International Security Assistance Force during the conflict in Afghanistan in 2001–2002, operating in close conjunction with international forces and performing precision attacks with laser-guided bombs . In the summer of 2007, after the Dassault Rafale fighters had been removed from the theater of operations, three French Mirage 2000s were deployed to Afghanistan in support of NATO troops. The Mirage 2000
5330-751: The South African air forces . The Royal Thai Air Force has also received the aircraft. The Gripen was one of the aircraft that the IAF sent the Request for Information. The Gripen participated at Aero India 2007, where one JAS 39C (single seater) and two JAS 39D (two-seater) variants were brought. Gripen International offered the Gripen IN, a version of the Gripen NG (Next Generation) for India's competition. The Gripen NG has increased fuel capacity, more powerful powerplant, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements. 3,655 kg The order
Indian MRCA competition - Misplaced Pages Continue
5460-619: The Syrian Civil War . On 9 March 2024, two French Mirage 2000-5Fs participated in the downing of two Houthi drones over the Red Sea in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian marking the first French aerial victories since World War II . On 6 June 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced France would provide Mirage 2000 jets and training to Ukraine to counter increased Russian aggression in Kharkiv region. In 1980,
5590-654: The US Congress . Initial reactions within the IAF were enthusiastic, although there were apprehensions of support issues in case of future sanctions. The US stated that there would have been some restrictions and pre-conditions for the purchase of the aircraft. On 24 April 2008, Boeing submitted its 7,000-page proposal to the Ministry of Defence through the US Embassy in New Delhi, before the 28 April deadline for
5720-518: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) placed an order for 36 Mirage 2000 aircraft. The order consisted of 22 single-seat Mirage 2000AED, eight unique single-seat reconnaissance variants designated Mirage 2000RAD, and six Mirage 2000DAD trainers, which collectively are known as SAD-8 (Standard Abu Dhabi). The order specified an Italian-made defensive avionics suite that delayed delivery of the first of these aircraft until 1989. In November 1998,
5850-468: The "Anglo-French Variable Geometry" ( AFVG ) swing-wing aircraft . Two years later, France withdrew from the project on grounds of costs, after which Britain would collaborate with West Germany and Italy to ultimately produce the Panavia Tornado . Dassault instead focused on its own variable-geometry aircraft, the Dassault Mirage G experimental prototype. The design was expected to materialise in
5980-489: The "Avion de Combat Futur" (ACF or Future Combat Aircraft) of the French Air Force ( Armee de l'Air , AdA ), did not align with the service's conception of its future aircraft. The AdA wanted a Mach 3 fighter, not an interdictor aircraft incapable of dogfighting that was the Mirage G8. As such, Dassault redesigned the Mirage G8 into the two-engine Super Mirage G8A that would prove to be ambitious and expensive, being two and
6110-513: The 24 fighters to be bought, 13 are in complete condition with intact engines and airframes, and eight of these shall fly after servicing. The remaining 11 fighters are partially complete but with fuel tanks and ejection seats, which will be scavenged to secure parts for the IAF's two existing Mirage squadrons. In December 1982, Peru placed an $ 800 million order for 14 single-seat Mirage 2000Ps and two two-seat Mirage 2000DP trainers, with an option for eight and two more aircraft, respectively. Although
6240-405: The 65-minute flight, Coureau took the aircraft to Mach 1.02 without afterburner, before climbing to more than 12,000 m and accelerating the aircraft to Mach 1.3. By the end of May, the aircraft had surpassed Mach 2 and an indicated airspeed of 1,200 kilometres per hour (650 kn). On the other end of the speed spectrum, the Mirage 2000 proved to be capable of low-speed flight, as demonstrated at
6370-419: The 65-minute flight, the aircraft reached a speed of Mach 1.5. The variant entered operational service in 1988, initially operating from Luxeuil Air Base with the 4 Escadre de Chasse. Closely derived from the Mirage 2000N is a dedicated conventional attack variant designated Mirage 2000D. Initial flight of the Mirage 2000D prototype, a modified Mirage 2000N prototype, was on 19 February 1991. The first flight of
6500-609: The American F-16IN and F/A-18IN Super Hornet ("IN" are the proposed Indian versions). Previously, Mikoyan and Dassault have been regular suppliers of aircraft for the Indian Air Force and in terms of transfers of technology, licensed production in India, personnel training, supply of spare parts, maintenance, and upgrading. The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engined delta-wing agile multi-role fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation . The Rafale
6630-547: The Eurofighter programme, it will be able to manufacture assemblies for new Eurofighters. In January 2010, EADS offered to include thrust vectoring nozzles (TVNs) with the Typhoon's EJ200 engines for India. Thrust vectoring will improve operational capabilities, and reduce fuel burn by up to 5% and increase thrust while supersonic cruising by 7%. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The MMRCA contract represents
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#17328018718416760-467: The F-15 and the similarly sized F-16, which has a wing loading of 110 lb/sq ft. At normal combat load, however, the wing loading reduces to 45 lb/sq ft. One related advantage of the delta-wing design, and especially the Mirage 2000's blending of the wing root and engine, is that it could accommodate more fuel, as the aircraft's internal fuel tanks can carry over 900 gallons of fuel, up more than 200 gallons over
6890-575: The F-15E Strike Eagle interdictor/strike derivative which retained the air-to-air combat lethality of earlier F-15s. The newest fighter jet that fits the definition of 'multi-role' is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II / Joint Strike Fighter , designed to perform stealth-based ground/naval strike, fighter, reconnaissance and electronic warfare roles. Like a modern-day F-4, 3 variants of this aircraft fulfill
7020-807: The F-16E/F Block 60 as supplied to the UAE, the features on the F-16IN include: Lockheed Martin offered to sell India the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the future, as replacements, if the F-16 was chosen. The Mikoyan MiG-35 ( Russian : Микоян МиГ-35 ) ( NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F) is the production version of the latest MiG-29 and incorporates mature development of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB technology, such as glass cockpit and fly-by-wire technology. The IAF already operates MiG-29s, and
7150-633: The IAF has bought a number of the cheaper US Paveway II laser-guided bomb kits for use with the Israeli Litening laser designator pods (LDPs), but certain parts of the Paveway kit were not available, as they were under US embargo. The aircraft were heavily modified in a short time frame to drop laser-guided bombs as well as conventional unguided bombs . Due to a lack of enemy air action, aircrew quickly became highly proficient in dropping dumb bombs. IAF Mirage 2000s have reportedly only used
7280-451: The IAF is all set to conduct field trials of the MRCA bidding aircraft in the second half of 2008. The industry offset proposals from the bidders have been provided to India as of 11 August 2008. The technical evaluation of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) has been completed by 18 November 2008. There have been concerns that this process would take a few years at least, and getting
7410-540: The IAF operates only 30 fighter squadrons as of January 2014. Even with the planned MMRCA procurement, the IAF will reach sanctioned strength only by 2017. Due to budgetary constraints—specifically, the economic problems in the early 1990s—the refurbishment of old planes and purchase of new ones was halted. Added to this was the disintegration of the Soviet Union , which led to severe shortage of aircraft spares, which rendered many of them unserviceable. The attrition
7540-591: The IAF: a carrier-based version (the Rafale M) and a capability for nuclear strategic strike. Both of these particular versions are in use in the French Armed Forces . At present however the Rafale M uses a catapult system (not present on the initial Vikrant ) and the nuclear strike use is earmarked by others jets of the IAF. On 26 June 2012, it was revealed that the Rafale M (naval variant) could be used on
7670-419: The Indian government approved purchase of 10 Mirage 2000Hs, featuring improved avionics, particularly an upgraded RDM 7 radar; they were delivered in 2007 for a total of 50 aircraft. Dassault replaced the Mirage 2000 with the newer Rafale as its contender due to the impending closure of the Mirage 2000 production line. As India placed its third Mirage 2000 order, the government announced its intention to upgrade
7800-520: The Indian government directed the Indian Navy to undertake detailed briefings with Dassault regarding the Rafale, in a potential start to procurement of the naval version for its aircraft carriers. The government wants commonalities between logistics and spares for fighters with the Navy and Air Force, which could lead to a purchase of 54 naval fighters. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of
7930-479: The Indian government's comptroller and auditor general reported delays in the construction of overhaul facilities and a shortage of spare parts, which had led to the fleet being unable to meet its required flying hours. India also purchased ATLIS II pods and several Matra Bombe Guidée Laser (BGL) Arcole 1,000 kg laser-guided penetrating bombs for the Mirage. The ATLIS II pods have an inherent limitation in that they are unusable at high altitudes. In its place,
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#17328018718418060-591: The M53—the M53-5, which equipped initial operational aircraft, was rated at 88 kN (20,000 lb f ) of thrust with afterburner. The definitive version of the engine, the M53-P2, which equipped the majority of the type, is rated at 65 kN (15,000 lb f ) in dry thrust and 95 kN (21,000 lb f ) in afterburner. The Mirage 2000 is equipped with built-in twin DEFA 554 autocannon (now GIAT 30–550 F4) 30 mm revolver-type cannons with 125 rounds each. The cannons have selectable fire rates of 1,200 or 1,800 rounds per minute . The Mirage 2000-5
8190-412: The MMRCA tender was increased to 50% under the DPP 2006. The bidders must confirm the offset details in a separate proposal, to be submitted by 9 June 2008. This brings the value of offsets in the MMRCA deal to almost ₹ 25,000 crore (US$ 3.0 billion). The initial Request for Information (RFI) for the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) was put out in 2001. At that time the request for proposal (RFP)
8320-411: The MiG-21 and an IAF Mil Mi-17 helicopter shot down by friendly fire. During the 2020 China-India standoff , India deployed Mirage 2000Is along the line of actual control , particularly after the Galwan Valley skirmish near Pangong Tso in the Ladakh region. In September 2021, France agreed to sell some of its retired Mirage 2000 airframes to India, at a price of €1 million per plane. Out of
8450-528: The Mirage 2000 in the flight-testing phase. No other aircraft of this potential was being offered for export. An internal assessment of the Mirage 2000 was carried out and the Indian government felt that the French plane was more advanced and a superior response to the F-16s that the US was to supply to Pakistan, and approached France for 150 Mirage 2000s. In October 1982, the country placed an order with Dassault for 36 single-seat Mirage 2000Hs and four twin-seat Mirage 2000THs (with H standing for "Hindustan") with
8580-434: The Mirage 2000C included the Thales TV/CT CLDP laser designator pod and the multimode RDY, which allows detection of up to 24 targets and the ability to simultaneously track eight threats while guiding four MICA missiles to different targets. Updates to defensive systems included the ICMS 2 countermeasures suite and the Samir DDM missile warning system. ICMS 2 incorporates a receiver and associated signal processing system in
8710-533: The Mirage 2000N, greatly extending its range. Enhancements to offensive systems included a datalink for the targeting of MICA EM missiles, the addition of the Damocles forward-looking infrared (FLIR) targeting pod, and a newer, more stealthy Thales RDY-2 all-weather synthetic aperture radar with moving target indicator capability, which also grants the aircraft improved air-to-ground capability. The avionics were further updated with higher resolution color displays, an optional Topsight helmet-mounted display, and
8840-404: The Mirage G8, which would serve as the replacement for the popular Mirage III in French Air Force service. The Mirage 2000 started out as a secondary project tentatively named "Delta 1000" in 1972. Dassault was devoting considerable attention to the Mirage G8A, a fixed-geometry derivative of the Mirage G8 that served as the competitor to the Panavia Tornado. The Mirage G8, which was envisioned as
8970-408: The Mirage III. The aircraft's fuselage is of traditional monocoque construction made of almost entirely of metal. The fuselage has been area-ruled to maintain a constant cross-sectional area along with the delta wing to minimise drag. The aircraft uses retractable tricycle landing gear by Messier-Dowty , with twin nosewheels and a single wheel on each main gear. A runway tailhook or a fairing for
9100-404: The Navy has ordered MiG-29K/KUBs for its INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov ) and INS Vikrant -class aircraft carriers . Russia unveiled the MiG-35 at Aero India 2007 in Bangalore , amid Moscow's keen interest to sell these planes to India. This was the first time that the final version of the MiG-35 was publicly displayed at an international air show , and thus, generated
9230-436: The PM said that India will purchase 36 Rafales, This contract was finalised and all the 36 aircraft will arrive in India in flying condition. The agreed upon terms in April 2015 totaled US$ 8.8 billion for 36 airplanes costing $ 244 million each, with an offset requirement of 30 percent of the deal's value for France to reinvest in India's defense sector and create infrastructure in India for the Rafale to operate. In January 2016,
9360-526: The Paveway LGB on eight occasions, mainly for the destruction of enemy command bunkers. In 1999, when the Kargil War broke out, the IAF was asked to act jointly with ground troops on 25 May. The code name assigned to their role was Operation Safed Sagar and the Mirage 2000 flew its first sortie on 30 May. This multi-role aircraft, the most advanced in the IAF, performed remarkably well during
9490-726: The RFI for a F-16C/D Block 52+ configuration aircraft. On 17 January 2008, Lockheed Martin offered a customized version of the F-16, the F-16IN Super Viper for the Indian MMRCA contract. The F-16IN, which is similar to the F-16 Block 60, will be a 4.5 generation aircraft. It will be more advanced than the F-16 Block 52s that the Pakistan Air Force has acquired. Lockheed Martin described the F-16IN as "the most advanced and capable F-16 ever." Based closely on
9620-663: The RFP such as Total Life-cycle Costs as well as fine-tuning the Offset policy, under the new DPP 2005. The Total Life-cycle Cost has been introduced for the first time in Indian defence procurements, and has reportedly been a major source of the delay. On 29 June, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, cleared the process for the procurement of 126 aircraft. The 211-page RFP
9750-532: The Rafale. However, no such jets have been sold to Pakistan. India and France have recently agreed to "go beyond a buyer-seller relationship". On 31 January 2012 Rafale was declared the winner of the MMRCA competition, beating Eurofighter Typhoon on cost. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multi-role canard - delta air superiority fighter aircraft, designed and built by a consortium of European aerospace manufacturers through Eurofighter GmbH . Eurofighter
9880-560: The Thomson-CSF Radar Doppler Multifunction (RDM), and were powered by the SNECMA M53-5 turbofan engine. The 38th Mirage 2000C had an upgraded SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine. The Radar Doppler à Impulsion (RDI) built by Thales for the Mirage 2000C entered service in 1987. It has a much improved range of about 150 km, and is linked to Matra Super 530D missiles, which are much improved compared to
10010-485: The UAE signed a $ 3.2 billion contract that consisted of an order for 30 Mirage 2000-9s, as well as the deal to upgrade 33 of the surviving SAD-8 aircraft up the new standard. The contract was later amended so it would encompass 32 new-built aircraft—20 single-seater Mirage 2000-9s and 12 two-seater 2000-9Ds—and 30 upgrade kits for original aircraft. The aircraft were equipped with a classified countermeasures system designated IMEWS. Although deliveries were scheduled for 2001,
10140-430: The ability of HAL to accommodate the complex manufacturing and technology transfers of the aircraft. Instead, Dassault said it would have to negotiate two separate production contracts by both companies. The Indian Defence Ministry instead wanted Dassault to be solely responsible for the sale and delivery of all 126 aircraft. In May 2013, The Times of India reported that negotiations were "back on track", with plans for
10270-401: The addition of the modular data-processing unit designed for the Rafale. A new Thales Totem 3000 inertial navigation system with ring laser gyroscope and GPS capability were added, providing much greater accuracy, higher reliability, and shorter alignment time than the older ULISS 52 navigation system it replaced. Other upgrades included the addition of an on-board oxygen generation system for
10400-457: The advances within the radar. Despite the increase in offensive capability, pilot workload is compensated for by the introduction of a multidisplay glass cockpit, based on the development of the Rafale. The aircraft has the ICMS Mk2 countermeasures suit, which contains three radar detectors and an infrared sensor that are linked to active jammers and chaff/flare dispensers. Improvements over
10530-437: The advantages, such as low drag, low radar cross section , ideal high-speed aerodynamics, and large internal volume, as well as simplicity, provided by the absence of horizontal tail surfaces. Its aircraft flight control system is fly-by-wire, with two distinct modes of operation. The first allows for unrestricted operations within its full allowed flight envelope, and is used when carrying only air-to-air weapons. The second
10660-523: The air-to-ground mode, the RDY has navigation and attack functions that give it deep-strike and close-support capabilities. Capable of automatically locking onto multiple targets at first contact, the radar could detect flying targets travelling as low as 60 m (200 ft). The introduction of the radar allows the aircraft to use the MICA missile, up to six of which could be fired simultaneously at targets due to
10790-463: The aircraft after that would take longer. It is reasonable to expect that the aircraft can be delivered no sooner than 2011. In January 2009 SAAB International, proposed to India the transfer of technology if Gripen win the MRCA and make India 'an independent manufacturer' of its own fighter jets. SAAB favored 'extensive transfer of technology' well in excess of 60% more than requirement of RFI to boost India's indigenous capabilities in fighter jets. It
10920-430: The bidders to two fighters—Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. On 31 January 2012 it was announced that Dassault Rafale had won the competition due to its lower life-cycle cost . The deal had been reported to cost US$ 28–30 billion in 2014. However, the deal stalled due to disagreements over production in India. Dassault refused to take responsibility for the 108 HAL -manufactured Rafales, as it had reservations about
11050-436: The centre of gravity, or neutral point, is placed ahead of the centre of pressure, enhancing maneuverability. It incorporates negative stability and fly-by-wire controls with four analog computers . As first demonstrated at the 1978 Farnborough Airshow, such designs, as well as the use of computer-controlled dynamic controls were capable of overcoming the delta-wing shortcomings related to poor low-speed control, while retaining
11180-531: The contract was signed in 1985, the Peruvian government, due to the country's financial issues , renegotiated the number of aircraft to be reduced to 10 single-seaters and two two-seaters. Handover of the first aircraft occurred in June 1985, although the first deliveries to Peru were not made until December 1986, after the initial training of pilots in France had been completed. The Peruvian Air Force ordered
11310-618: The development programme consisting of 20 engines, the M53 sans suffix was first bench tested in February 1970, and became airborne on a Caravelle testbed in July 1973. Dassault conducted flight tests of the M53-2 version using its Mirage F1E testbeds starting in December 1974; this version produced 84 kilonewtons (19,000 lb f ) in afterburner. The Mirage 2000 itself was powered by two versions of
11440-399: The earlier aircraft, namely the reduction in fin height and an increased fin sweep, redesigned air inlets, and an FBW system. The only dual-seat Mirage 2000B of the test programme first flew on 11 October 1980. The first production Mirage 2000C (C for chasseur , "fighter") flew on 20 November 1982. Deliveries to the AdA began in 1983. The first 37 Mirage 2000Cs delivered were fitted with
11570-514: The existing fleet, as well. A period of protracted negotiations followed for the next several years, during which India and Dassault came close to signing a contract several times. In July 2011, India approved a $ 2.2 billion upgrade package for its Mirage 2000s. Valued at $ 43 million per aircraft, it upgrades the fleet to Mirage 2000-5 Mk. 2 standards, with provisions made for the use of a night vision-capable glass cockpit, upgraded navigation and IFF systems, an advanced multimode multilayered radar, and
11700-428: The existing infrastructure of the IAF, which reduces costs. Moreover, being 100% French also provided Dassault a distinct edge over its competitors on the issue of technology transfer. Dassault claims that the Rafale has an advantage over many of the competitors because it is not subject to ITAR restrictions. While not included in the MRCA requirement, the French fighter has more configurations of potential interest for
11830-451: The first 18 Rafales to be delivered in 2017. Another point of contention is a provision where Dassault was to reinvest 50 percent of the deal's earnings into India's defence sectors, either through purchases or technological expertise. In March 2014, the two sides were reported to have agreed that the first 18 aircraft would be delivered to India in flying condition and that the remaining 108 would be 70 percent built by HAL. In December 2014, it
11960-650: The first aircraft arrived in the spring of 2003. The UAE's Mirage 2000-9s are equipped for the strike mission, with the Shehab laser targeting pod (a variant of the Damocles ) and the Nahar navigation pod, complementing the air-to-ground modes of the RDY-2 radar. They are also equipped with a classified countermeasures system designated IMEWS, which is comparable to the ICMS 3. Emirati Mirage 2000s are armed with weapons such as
12090-707: The first aircraft in March 2015. The single-seat version was redesignated Mirage 2000I and the twin-seat version Mirage 2000TI . On 26 February 2019, 12 Mirage 2000s were used to strike an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot , Pakistan. This engagement was the first time since the 1971 war that IAF fighters had entered Pakistani airspace. All aircraft were armed with one Israeli Spice 2000 (one-tonne) bomb. The next day, IAF Mirage 2000Is, Su-30MKIs , and MiG-21s were used against Pakistan Air Force JF-17s , Mirage IIIs , and F-16s , whose aim
12220-403: The fuselages were fabricated at Argenteuil (NW of Paris), with final assembly taking place at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport . The first prototype, Mirage 2000 No. 01, though, was hand built at Saint-Cloud , before being moved to Dassault's Istres facility for assembly. At the hands of Jean Coureau, No. 01 made its first flight on 10 March 1978, a mere 27 months after the programme go-ahead. During
12350-416: The idea of filling the gap between its future Light Combat Aircraft and its in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter. The contest featured six fighter aircraft : Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet , Dassault Rafale , Eurofighter Typhoon , Lockheed Martin F-16 , Mikoyan MiG-35 , and Saab JAS 39 Gripen . On 27 April 2011, after an intensive and detailed technical evaluation by the IAF, it reduced
12480-483: The level of ToT offered would be compliant with the RFP requirements. Delivery of the first F/A-18IN Super Hornets could have begun approximately 36 months after contract award. Boeing proposed joint manufacture of the jets with Indian partners. It also planned to offset the cost by setting up a US$ 100 million maintenance and training hub in Nagpur . This is the first time the Super Hornet has been offered for production in
12610-425: The nose for detecting hostile missile-command data links, and can be interfaced to a new programmable mission-planning and postmission analysis ground system. Avionics were also updated, using a new night vision -compatible glass cockpit layout borrowed from the Dassault Rafale , a dual-linked wide-angle head-up display , and HOTAS controls. The Mirage 2000-5 can also carry the oversized drop tanks developed for
12740-490: The older Super 530F. Look-down/shoot-down capabilities are much improved, as well, but this radar is not usually used for air-to-surface roles. The Mirage 2000N is a dedicated nuclear-strike variant, which was intended to carry the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée (ASMP) nuclear stand-off missile. Flight tests of the first of two prototypes, Mirage 2000N 01 (the eighth Mirage 2000) began on 3 February 1983. During
12870-560: The past, Russia has provided customised versions of military equipment such as the Su-30MKI and continued to provide support for equipment during international sanctions. However, Russian product support, especially for the MiG-29 fleet has been inadequate. Additionally, buying the MiG-35 would mean an almost total dependence on a single supplier for India's entire fighter fleet. Recent Russian demands for renegotiation of earlier contracts ,
13000-546: The pilot and an ICMS 3 digital countermeasures suite. The first aircraft entered service in July 1984. The first operational squadron was formed during the same year, the 50th anniversary of the French Air Force. About 124 Mirage 2000Cs were obtained by the AdA . French Mirage 2000s were used during the Gulf War , where they flew high-altitude air defence for USAF U-2 spy aircraft, as well as in UN and NATO air operations during
13130-425: The pilot to retain control at AoAs past 25°, assisted by the small strakes mounted along each air intake. Some composites have been used for the fins, rudder, elevons, and various access panels, giving a weight saving of some 100 kg. The Mirage 2000 has been noted for its superb handling, especially given its delta-wing design. Dassault engineers have embedded into the design a certain degree of relaxed stability as
13260-434: The possibility of a follow-on purchase of nine aircraft (eight single- and one twin-seater aircraft) as war, maintenance and attrition reserve. The purchase of 150 aircraft, could well have paved the way for joint production with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , but the number of aircraft ordered (40+9) was too small for such an arrangement. India nevertheless had the option to produce a number of Mirage 2000s under license that
13390-446: The rest would be manufactured under license in India by HAL. The Government of India has sanctioned approximately ₹ 37,000 crore (US$ 4.4 billion), with reports that another US$ 2 billion might be added to this. This is indicative of the high importance of the order to the respective vendors. The total value of purchasing the aircraft is expected to be US$ 20 billion, with options for purchasing more aircraft. The economic offset for
13520-627: The sale of RD-93 engines (a variant of the Klimov RD-33 that powers the Indian MiG-29s) to Pakistan for its JF-17 Thunder aircraft and concurrently supplying combat aircraft to China has also caused concern in New Delhi. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen ( Griffin or "Gryphon" ) is a fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. The aircraft is in service with the Swedish , Czech , Hungarian , Brazilian , and
13650-690: The same basic design to undertake a variety of roles, the Tornado IDS (Interdictor/Strike) variant and later the Panavia Tornado ADV (Air Defence Variant). By contrast, the F-15 Eagle which was another fighter aircraft of that era was designed for air superiority and interception, with the mantra "not a pound for air to ground", although the F-15C did have a rarely used secondary ground attack capability. That program eventually evolved into
13780-424: The same mission." According to BAE Systems, "an aircraft that can accomplish both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles on the same mission and swing between these roles instantly offers true flexibility. This reduces cost, increases effectiveness and enhances interoperability with allied air forces". "[Swing-role] capability also offers considerable cost-of-ownership benefits to operational commanders." Although
13910-425: The single-engine Delta 2000 was much more affordable. At the same National Defence Council meeting, a redesignated Mirage 2000 was offered to the AdA , and three prototypes were ordered. The AdA in March 1976 issued a set of official requirements whose parameters matched those of Dassault's performance estimates of the new fighter. The aircraft's primary role was interception with a secondary ground-attack capability;
14040-415: The small load of air-to-air missiles it could carry. Consequently, Dassault in April 1989 announced that with the cooperation of Thomson-CSF, it would be working on a privately funded update of the Mirage 2000C, which was to be named the Mirage 2000-5. A two-seat Mirage 2000B prototype was extensively modified as the first Mirage 2000-5 prototype, and it first flew on 24 October 1990. A Mirage 2000C prototype
14170-627: The software source code, the IAF would have to specify mission parameters to foreign manufacturers to enable configuration of their radar, seriously compromising security in the process. Dassault has also offered to fit the GTX-35VS Kaveri engine into the Rafale, which if chosen, would greatly improve commonality with the HAL Tejas that will enter service into the IAF by 2010. Concerns have been raised about cost issues as well as potential sales to Pakistan, which has also expressed interest in
14300-724: The submission for proposals. The Super Hornet variant being offered to India, the F/A-18IN, is based on the F/A-18E/F model operated by the US Navy and being built for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Raytheon 's APG-79 AESA radar was offered on the aircraft. There would have been limited Transfer of Technology on the radar, up to the level approved by the US Government. However, Raytheon stated that
14430-727: The technical evaluation of all 6 fighter jets. Air chief marshal Fali H. Major told the press that the reports had been submitted to the ministry of defence. The aircraft will be put through a rigorous testing process at Bangalore , Jaisalmer and Leh . The aircraft will undergo technical and humid condition tests in Bangalore. Desert trials will be conducted in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan and High-altitude and mountainous condition trials will be conducted at Leh in Ladakh . Multi-role combat aircraft A multirole combat aircraft ( MRCA )
14560-673: The tendering process and delay in issuing the RFIs, Dassault decided to remove the Mirage 2000-5 from the bidding process and enter the Rafale in its place. The MiG-35 was entered in place of the prototype MiG-29OVT. The Eurofighter consortium entered the Typhoon into the competition. The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet also joined the tendering. Six aircraft were bid for the order – the Swedish Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, French Dassault Rafale, Russian Mikoyan MiG-35, and
14690-538: The term "multirole aircraft" may be relatively novel, certain airframes in history have proven versatile to multiple roles. In particular, the Junkers Ju 88 was renowned in Germany for being a "jack-of-all-trades", capable of performing as a bomber, dive bomber, night fighter, and so on, much as the British de Havilland Mosquito did as a fast bomber/strike aircraft, reconnaissance, and night fighter. The Hawker Hart
14820-424: The time didnot appear to be viable for induction anytime soon. The Indian government is to buy the first 18 aircraft directly from the manufacturer. The remaining fighters will be built under licence with a transfer of technology (ToT) by HAL . The IAF was keen on buying the Mirage 2000–5, after it was impressed by the Mirage 2000's capabilities during the Kargil War . However, due to the upcoming manufacture of
14950-679: The type was No. 1 Squadron (the Tigers), which was formally designated a Mirage 2000 unit in January 1986. Within 12 months of the first delivery, the IAF had received all 40 aircraft ordered. The follow-on order for nine aircraft was signed in 1986. Five aircraft were delivered by 1990, two more in 1992, and the last two aircraft were delivered in 1994. As such, full unit establishment was not achieved until 1990. The Mirage 2000 fleet encountered other issues during its first decade of service, which were largely operational and maintenance-based. In 1995,
15080-694: The various strike and air defense roles among its joint service requirements: the standard variant is intended to eventually replace the F-16 and A-10 in the USAF and other Western air forces, a STOVL version intended to replace the Harrier in US Marine Corps, British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy service, and a carrier variant intended to eventually replace the older F/A-18C/D for the US Navy and other F/A-18 operators. The F-35's design goal can be compared to its larger and more air superiority-focused cousin,
15210-432: The whole conflict in the high Himalayas , and was considered the game changer in the two-month war. During Operation Safed Sagar from May to July 1999, the two Mirage squadrons flew a total of 514 sorties with only three drop outs. No. 1 Squadron flew 274 air defence and strike escort missions, while No. 7 Squadron conducted 240 strike missions during which it dropped 55,000 kg (121,000 lb) of ordnance. During
15340-584: Was also quite 'multirole' in its numerous variants, being designed as a light bomber but serving as an army cooperation aircraft, a two-seat fighter, a fleet spotter, a fighter-bomber (in fact it was probably the first) and a trainer. The US joint forces F-4 Phantom II built by McDonnell-Douglas also fits the definition of a multi-role aircraft in its various configurations of the basic airframe design. The various F-4 Phantom II configurations were used in air-to-air, fighter bomber, reconnaissance, and suppression of enemy air defenses ( SEAD ) mission roles to name
15470-441: Was also reworked to a similar standard, making its initial flight on 27 April 1991. The first front-line aircraft variant to have been designed specifically in response to the export market, Taiwan was the first country to order the type in 1992, followed by Qatar in 1994. The type was first delivered in 1996 and entered service in 1997. Domestically, Dassault needed an order from the AdA to help promote foreign sales, and in 1993,
15600-404: Was approved for release to the respective bidders. On 28 August 2007, the RFP was released to the 6 bidding companies. The bidders had to give their Formal Proposals within six months from the release of the RFP, latest by 3 March 2008. However, some of the bidders asked for an extension of the deadline, citing complexity of the RFP. The deadline for submission of the proposals was then extended by
15730-552: Was brought in as the replacement for the Mirage 2000-5 that was originally a competitor for the tender, after the production lines for the Mirage closed down, as well as the entry of much more advanced aircraft into the competition. The Rafale has the advantage of being logistically and operationally similar to the Mirage 2000, which the IAF already operated and used with great success during the Kargil War in Operation Safed Sagar . This would require fewer changes in
15860-480: Was delivered on 23 November 2007 to the Hellenic Air Force ; afterwards, the production line was shut down. The Mirage 2000 is a supersonic combat aircraft of metal construction that shares the general delta-wing layout with the Mirage III, yet incorporates avionics advances that help overcome the latter's aerodynamic limitations. The aircraft's low-set, thin wing has a leading-edge sweep back of 58° and
15990-487: Was expected to be issued in December 2005. Later the RFP was expected to be issued in June 2007. During Aero India 2007, Defence Minister A.K. Antony stated that the RFP would be issued by 31 March 2007. However, Air Marshal A.S. Tyagi, in his last press conference before he retired, had stated that there were delays in issuing the RFP. His successor, Air Marshal F.H. Major had said that the RFP would be issued by June. The delays were said to be due to new factors added into
16120-758: Was later scrapped due to the country's close relationship with the Soviet Union. This led to the induction of the MiG-29 instead, overriding reservations expressed by the IAF. With the delivery of the first seven aircraft on 29 June 1985 to No. 7 Squadron , the Battleaxes, the Indian Air Force (IAF) became the first foreign user of the type, which it renamed the Vajra ( Sanskrit : वज्र , for Lightning , Thunderbolt ). The service's early aircraft were powered by Snecma M53-5 engines (so were designated Mirage 2000H5 and Mirage 2000TH5), which were quickly replaced by more powerful M53-P2 engines. The second unit to convert to
16250-410: Was phased out in 2007 by the IAF. Further retirements of MiG-23BN ground attack aircraft began in March 2009. With decreased aircraft squadrons level, MiG-23s are set to be replaced by MRCA winner. The IAF projected a requirement for about 126 aircraft in 2001, when the strength was at 39.5 squadrons (down from 45). There is an option for an additional 74 aircraft. Initial requirements appeared to be for
16380-539: Was reported in April 2009 that Dassault Aviation's Rafale has been rejected after technical evaluation of the fighters. However, this has been disputed by IAF. In late May 2009 Times of India has reported that Dassault Aviation has submitted the missing answers to the General Staff Qualitative Requirements drawn up by the IAF, and after serious diplomatic intervention, they are back in the race. On 27 May 2009 Indian Air Force completed
16510-462: Was reported that India and France expect to sign a contract by March 2015. On 13 April 2015, the defence minister Manohar Parrikar made an announcement that the M-MRCA tender is "effectively dead". India officially withdrew the 126-aircraft MMRCA tender on 30 July 2015. On the joint press statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's with President François Hollande , during his visit of France,
16640-502: Was stemmed to some extent by extensive upgrade programs on the MiG-21 ( bis upgrade), MiG-27, Jaguar ( DARIN I upgrade) and other aircraft in the mid-1990s. An aggressive program of upgrades was initiated. The MiG-21bis aircraft have been upgraded to MiG-21 Bison levels (125 aircraft will be upgraded to that standard), Jaguars to DARIN III standards, and Mirage 2000s and MiG-27s were also upgraded. The MiG-23MF air defence interceptor
16770-409: Was to target Indian Army ammunition dumps and other infrastructure near Srinagar , Poonch and Jammu area, according to Indian government officials. However, Pakistani officials say that air strikes in India by Pakistan Air Force jets were meant to demonstrate Pakistan's capability and Pakistani jets were ordered to drop their bombs in open space to avoid any human or collateral damage. This led to
16900-592: Was to test some of the avionics systems and the carriage of weapons. Due to a flame-out while on a landing approach, the aircraft was lost in May 1984. No. 03 made its first flight in April 1979; equipped with a complete weapons system, it was used for radar and weapons trials. After 400 hours of flight, they were sent to Centre d'Essais en Vol , flight tests centre. Although three prototypes were ordered in December 1975, Dassault constructed an additional fourth single-seat demonstrator for its own purposes, which embodied lessons on
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