TSAMTO, December 3. According to Indian media, the Indian Air Force received two Mirage-2000 fighters from the French Air Force. The planes were delivered to the Gwalior Air Base.
According to the Times of India, two aircraft in the combat training version were purchased by the Indian Air Force as part of the program to increase the Mirage-2000 fleet to 50 units. As planned, the aircraft will now be upgraded to the latest configuration according to the program implemented by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Within the framework of the agreement worth 175.47 billion. Indian rupees ($ 2.33 billion), concluded in 2011 by the Indian state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Dassault Aviation, Thales and MBDA, it was planned to modernize 51 fighter jets, but due to disasters involving these aircraft, some of the ordered kits are still in reserve. Modernization of the arrived Mirage-2000 will make them suitable for participation in combat operations.
As reported by TSAMTO, in September 2021, the Indian media reported that the Indian Air Force Command signed an agreement for the purchase of 24 Mirage-2000 fighters from the French Air Force to increase the number and combat readiness of fighter squadrons. The sale value is estimated at 27 million euros ($31.78 million). According to Jane's information and analytical portal, out of 24 fighter jets intended for purchase, 13 aircraft are in usable condition (8 are airworthy) and need only basic maintenance. Another 11 Mirage-2000 fighters, which are in "partially usable condition", are planned to be used as a source of spare parts to support two squadrons of upgraded Mirage-2000H, which include 49 aircraft that have entered service since mid-1985.
It is expected that the use of decommissioned French Mirage as a source of spare parts will allow the Indian Air Force to maintain the combat capability of its aircraft of this type until 2035.
