Dassault, HAL to Upgrade Air Force Mirage-2000 Fighters in 1.5 billion Euros Deal
Dated 20/12/2006
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The Indian Air Force is close to finalising a 1.5 billion Euro deal for upgradation of its 52 front line Mirage-2000 fighter jet. The upgrades will give the Air Force Mirage 2000 jets twenty five years of additional service life.
The jets will be armed with with futuristic 'Matra Mica' air-to-air missiles. The Matra BAe Dynamics Mica is an innovative lightweight missile that can both intercept incoming missiles and fire at multiple targets. The Mica is an advanced medium-range missile that is the French counterpart to the more capable American AMRAAM missile.
"The deal, which will provide for mounting a joint tactical information data link system (JTIDS), compatibility with helmet-mounted sights for off-bore-sight heat-seeking missiles and long-range sensors, is almost at the finalization stage," top IAF officials said.
The upgradation is to be undertaken in India starting next year.
It would involve complete change of radar systems, combat display systems and electronic warfare system of the French-made Mirages. It together with multi-role Sukhoi 30 MKI, form the bulwark of country's air combat power.
The retrofit is to be undertaken jointly by a French-Indian consortium comprising the aircraft makers Dassault, weapons systems integrator Thales, missile manufacturers MBDA and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.