A high-powered team from Qatar is in the capital to discuss the possible sale of 12 ‘sparingly used’ Mirage 2000 fighters to the IAF
India, Qatar Discuss Sale of Mirage 2000 Fighters To IAF
A high-powered team from Qatar is in the capital to discuss the possible sale of 12 ‘sparingly used’ Mirage 2000 fighters to the IAF, which will boost its combat aircraft strength at a time when legacy MiG fighters are being steadily retired from service. Sources said that the Qatari jets, which are configured to Mirage 2000-5 modernisation standards, can be a good addition to the two Mirage squadrons already in service with the air force.
One of the mainstay strike fighters of the IAF, the French origin Mirage 2000s are no longer in production but are expected to stay in the Indian inventory for another decade. However, the engines of both Indian and Qatari aircraft are the same, making maintenance easier if India decides to proceed.
According to sources, Qatar wants to set the price at around Rs 5,000 crore for the 12 aircraft, but the Indian side is pushing for a lower deal. India may consider the proposal, keeping in mind the compatibility of their aircraft with the Indian Mirage-2000 aircraft fleet, which is more advanced than the aircraft on offer, the sources added.
The Qatari aircraft are being offered to the Indian side along with missiles and additional engines for flying operations. Officials clarified that the aircraft are intended for operational use, not merely as spare parts.
The Indian Air Force had previously received a significant number of spares and equipment in a second-hand deal from a French vendor. The acquisition of used Mirage 2000s is expected to address the IAF’s fighter jet shortage.
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.
Top speed: 2,336 km/h
Engine types: Turbofan, Snecma M53
First flight: 10 March 1978
Wingspan: 9.13 m
Length: 14 m
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
