Indian Air Force negotiates to purchase 12 French Mirage 2000-5 fighters from Qatar.

On October 16, 2024, the Indian Defence Research Wing reported that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating the purchase of 12 retired Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar, though negotiations have encountered difficulties over pricing. The discussions, initiated after the jets were offered in June 2024, are driven by the IAF's need to replace its retiring MiG fighters and improve its combat capabilities. The Qatari Mirage 2000-5s, which have been upgraded to current standards, could enhance the IAF’s existing fleet of two Mirage 2000 squadrons.
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The twelve Qatari Mirage 2000-5s, which have been upgraded to current standards, could enhance the IAF’s existing fleet of two Mirage 2000 squadrons. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Qatar’s Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, consisting of nine single-seaters and three two-seaters, were originally delivered in 1997. These aircraft have been maintained in a way that allows for substantial remaining operational life. They took part in NATO’s Odyssey Dawn operation over Libya in 2011, enforcing a no-fly zone. Despite Qatar's decision to retire these aircraft, they remain in good condition. Qatar's modernization program includes acquiring more advanced multirole aircraft like the Boeing F-15QA and Eurofighter Typhoon, reducing the country’s dependence on the Mirage 2000s.

Price remains a significant sticking point in the negotiations. Qatar is asking for ₹4,160,000,000 (approximately $49,920,000) per aircraft, while the IAF is seeking a price closer to ₹3,000,000,000 (approximately $36,000,000) per aircraft, which would include spare engines and additional MICA air-to-air missiles. Some within the IAF support delaying the purchase to focus on developing the domestically produced Tejas MkII fighter, which offers a projected service life of 40 years and could potentially lower operational costs. However, the Tejas MkII is still under development, and the gap it would leave in the IAF's fighter capability may require interim solutions such as the Mirage 2000-5.

The decision on whether to proceed with the procurement of the Qatari Mirage 2000s will depend on the IAF's analysis of cost-effectiveness, operational compatibility, and long-term strategic objectives. Negotiations continue, with both sides working to reach an agreement that addresses India's fighter jet needs within its budget constraints. If the deal with Qatar is finalized, the IAF's Mirage 2000 fleet would increase to 60 aircraft.

Qatar’s Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, consisting of nine single-seaters and three two-seaters, were originally delivered in 1997, and have been maintained in a way that allows for substantial remaining operational life. (Picture source: French Air Force)

In the early 1980s, India sought to counter Pakistan's acquisition of F-16 fighters by acquiring a comparable aircraft. After reviewing available options, India chose the Mirage 2000 based on its design and performance. In 1982, an order for 36 Mirage 2000H and four Mirage 2000TH aircraft was placed with Dassault, and deliveries occurred between 1985 and 1994. The Mirage 2000 became an integral part of the IAF’s fleet. Although India initially considered domestic production of the Mirage 2000, this plan was set aside in favor of continuing defense cooperation with the Soviet Union, resulting in the acquisition of the MiG-29. In 2011, India approved an upgrade of its Mirage 2000 fleet to the Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 standard, adding improvements to avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems, and the integration of MICA missiles.

The Mirage 2000 was used during the 1999 Kargil War as part of Operation Safed Sagar, flying over 500 sorties for airstrikes. It was also deployed during the 2001–02 India-Pakistan standoff, where it used precision-guided bombs against Pakistani bunkers. In 2019, 12 Mirage 2000s were used in an airstrike on an alleged terrorist camp in Balakot, marking the first time since 1971 that IAF fighters entered Pakistani airspace. During the 2020 China-India standoff, Mirage 2000Is were deployed along the Line of Actual Control after the Galwan Valley skirmish. In 2021, India purchased retired Mirage 2000 airframes from France for parts to maintain its fleet, with the deal valued at ₹3,000,000,000 (approximately $36,000,000). This was intended to maintain the operational readiness of the IAF’s Mirage squadrons by securing spare parts.

The Mirage 2000 is a single-seat multirole fighter, measuring 14.36 meters in length, 9.13 meters in wingspan, and 5.2 meters in height. It is powered by a SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engine, providing 64.3 kN of thrust dry and 95.1 kN with afterburner. The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 at high altitude, has a range of 1,550 kilometers, and a service ceiling of 17,060 meters. Its armament includes two 30 mm DEFA 554 revolver cannons and nine hardpoints capable of carrying 6,300 kg of external fuel and a range of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles such as the MBDA MICA and Matra R550 Magic-II, air-to-surface missiles such as the AM.39 Exocet and SCALP EG, and guided bombs like the GBU-12 and GBU-24. The aircraft’s avionics include the Thomson-CSF RDY radar for multi-target tracking, and it can also carry tactical nuclear weapons such as the ASMP-A missile.