MIRAGE 2000 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

News-CRUX-10     25th June 2024        
QEP Pocket Notes

Context: India is in talks to purchase 12 used Mirage-2000 fighter jets from Qatar, aiming to bolster its combat capabilities as it phases out aging MiG fighters.


Mirage 2000

  • About: It is a fourth-generation, multirole fighter aircraft, and has played a significant role in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for several decades.
  • Design: It was originally designed by the French company, Dassault Aviation.
  • Indian Acquisition: India acquired around 51 Mirage 2000s in different batches, forming three squadrons based at the Gwalior Air Force Station.
  • Key Features

oVersatility: The Mirage 2000 is a versatile platform capable of air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions.

oSpeed: 2,336 km/h

oPrecision Strikes: During the Kargil conflict, Mirage 2000s successfully hit enemy camps at high altitudes using laser-guided bombs.

oAirstrikes: It played a crucial role in the Kargil war 1999 and 2019 Balakot airstrikes, demonstrating its combat effectiveness.

üThe ongoing upgrade program aims to enhance their capabilities, ensuring their relevance till 2035.

QEP Pocket Notes