UAE could transfer up to 30 Mirage 2000-9E fighter jets to Morocco with France’s consent.

On January 8, 2025, LeDesk reported that discussions are progressing on a possible transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9E fighter jets from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Morocco, contingent upon France’s agreement. According to Emirati sources, Abu Dhabi could cede half of its Mirage 2000-9E fleet to the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) once the UAE begins receiving deliveries of Rafale F4 jets from Paris, scheduled for 2027.
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Emirati sources state that the cession of 30 Mirage 2000-9E aircraft was not confirmed in April but could be endorsed soon, as the UAE’s decision depends partly on the timeline for its new fighter acquisitions. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This prospect was initially deemed unlikely four years ago, but it has gained momentum following the visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to France in April 2024, along with reports mentioning King Mohammed VI’s private stay in Abu Dhabi. A three-year suspension initially delayed the Mirage sale, mostly because the original 1998 contract stipulates that any transfer of these aircraft requires French consent for re-export. The potential transfer of Emirati Mirage 2000-9 aircraft to Morocco gained additional attention when the French government reportedly explored the option of buying back some UAE Mirages to provide them to Ukraine. This requirement complicated the transaction, but the UAE’s preference leaned toward selling part of its fleet, with 30 Mirage 2000-9s intended for Morocco and a portion for Egypt. While an agreement in principle appears to exist, no official statements have confirmed the final steps, delivery schedule, or upgrade packages.

Emirati sources state that the cession of 30 Mirage 2000-9E aircraft was not confirmed in April of the previous year but could be endorsed soon, as the UAE’s decision depends partly on the timeline for its new fighter acquisitions. Abu Dhabi signed a significant contract with France in December 2021 for 80 Rafale F4 jets and 12 military helicopters, valued at about $18 billion, marking the largest international order for Rafale fighters since their introduction in 2004. With the UAE set to retire some Mirage 2000-9s in favor of the Rafale F4, several countries, including Iraq, Greece, Egypt, and Morocco, have been mentioned in discussions about receiving secondhand Mirage 2000s.

On the Moroccan side, the RMAF currently operates around two-dozen upgraded Mirage F-1MF2000 aircraft, about two-dozen F-5s, and approximately two-dozen F-16C/D Block 52+ fighters. Morocco has also ordered an additional 25 F-16C/D Block 72 jets for delivery between late 2025 and 2027 and has been mentioned as potentially becoming the first Arab and African country to acquire the F-35 Lightning II from the United States. As reported on January 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense may finalize a deal for 32 F-35 fighters for Morocco, with an estimated cost exceeding $17 billion over 45 years, including procurement and maintenance.

If concluded, this acquisition would introduce fifth-generation capabilities to the RMAF, which analysts believe is motivated by Morocco’s rivalry with Algeria, especially concerning Western Sahara. Algeria has reportedly signed a contract for 14 Russian Su-57 fighters, complementing Su-30MKA and Su-35 jets in its inventory. This purchase is part of a broader effort in Algiers to maintain what it perceives as a necessary regional balance. Diplomatic friction persists between Morocco and Algeria, particularly following the 2021 severing of ties and ongoing disagreements over Western Sahara and the Polisario Front.

Originally designed to offer an upgrade over the Mirage 2000-5, the 2000-9 includes a digital autopilot, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a cockpit arrangement similar in some respects to that of the Rafale. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Meanwhile, the presence of Emirati Mirage 2000-9s in different theaters has drawn scrutiny from various governments. On July 24, 2024, at least seven Emirati Mirage 2000-9DAD/EAD fighter-bombers were deployed to a People’s Liberation Army Air Force base in Xinjiang province, China, for the Falcon Shield 2024 exercise. Supported by C-17A Globemaster III transports and an A330 MRTT tanker, the UAE contingent cooperated with Chinese forces for the second consecutive edition of these drills.

Analysts in the United States expressed concern that Beijing could gain insights into Western aviation technology through such interactions. UAE-China defense cooperation has already produced tensions, with the suspension in 2021 of negotiations to sell 50 F-35 Lightning II fighters to Abu Dhabi, reportedly due to disagreements over technical requirements, cost issues, and concerns about Chinese involvement in UAE military affairs. The UAE Air Force, which also operates over 70 F-16 Block 60 fighters of American origin, has thus diversified its fleet with Western and Chinese systems, including Hongdu L-15 trainers and Wing Loong drones.

The Mirage 2000-9 is based on Dassault’s Mirage 2000 design, featuring an advanced modular avionics architecture, a single Snecma M53-P2 turbofan engine, and a delta-wing configuration. Its technical enhancements include the RDY-2 or RBY-2 radar, integration of MICA air-to-air missiles, and capacity for precision-guided munitions such as the Shehan (or Shehab) laser-designation pod, guided bombs, and the Black Shaheen cruise missile, which is the export version of the SCALP-EG.

Originally designed to offer an upgrade over the Mirage 2000-5, the 2000-9 includes a digital autopilot, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a cockpit arrangement similar in some respects to that of the Rafale. Historical records indicate that 62 Mirage 2000-9s were ordered new or upgraded from older Mirage 2000 airframes in the UAE’s previous contracts. Enhanced maintenance and modernization work have been carried out since 2019, through deals signed by Dassault Aviation, Thales, and MBDA, extending the service life of these aircraft into the 2030s.

The Mirage 2000-9 possesses a maximum speed of 920 knots, a wingspan of 9.1 meters, a height of 5.2 meters, a length of 14.4 meters, a maximum payload of 6,300 kilograms, and a maximum takeoff weight of 17,000 kilograms. The aircraft is powered by a single Snecma M53-P2 turbofan delivering 9,990 kgf with afterburner. Its RDY-2 radar allows both air-to-air and air-to-surface operations, with maximum detection ranges cited at more than 140 kilometers. The model’s armament options include MICA EM and IR missiles, up to 2,000-liter drop tanks, the Black Shaheen cruise missile, laser-guided bombs such as the BGL-1000, and other guided weapons, often linked to Thales or MBDA systems for targeting and electronic warfare. Maintenance and upgrade programs have involved not only Dassault but also engine manufacturer Snecma (now Safran) and electronics firms such as Thales, Smiths, Elettronica, and others.

Powered by a single Snecma M53-P2 turbofan delivering 9,990 kgf with afterburner, the Mirage 2000-9 possesses a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h, a maximum payload of 6,300 kilograms, and a maximum takeoff weight of 17,000 kilograms. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Dassault Mirage 2000 itself was developed in the 1970s to replace older Mirage III fighters in French service. The single-engine, delta-wing Mirage 2000 first flew in March 1978, eventually evolving into multiple variants, including the Mirage 2000C, the nuclear-oriented Mirage 2000N, and the Mirage 2000D specialized in conventional strikes. The 2000-5 introduced enhancements for multirole operations, while the 2000-9 for the UAE included more sophisticated avionics, radar upgrades, and an expanded suite of weapons.

Dassault’s official literature also highlighted the aircraft’s modular avionics design, improved digital flight controls, high maneuverability, and multiple weapons integrations. Over 600 Mirage 2000s of all variants were produced, entering service in countries such as France, the UAE, India, Greece, Taiwan, Egypt, Peru, Qatar, and Brazil. Some have been retired in favor of newer platforms like the Rafale or F-16, but others remain in active service with regular upgrades.

The Dassault Mirage 2000’s historical backdrop includes extensive use by the French Air Force in NATO missions and various operations. The type served in the Gulf War, the Bosnian conflict, and over Kosovo. It was also deployed in Afghanistan, with the Mirage 2000D variant performing precision strikes in conjunction with Allied forces. France continues to operate the Mirage 2000-5 and Mirage 2000D, though it has gradually introduced the Rafale to replace older models. In 2011, French Mirage 2000s participated in operations over Libya. More recently, France committed aircraft to combat the Islamic State group, though some have been replaced by newer Rafales.

Discussions arose in 2024 regarding Mirage 2000s and the possibility of sending them to Ukraine, but no official confirmation came from France’s Ministry of Defense despite inquiries. In other nations, including India, the Mirage 2000 saw notable use in the 1999 Kargil conflict and ongoing modernization. India’s fleet is designated the Vajra and has undergone an upgrade to near-2000-5 levels, with new radars, weapons, and electronic warfare suites. Other operators such as Greece, Taiwan, Qatar, Egypt, and Peru either still deploy the Mirage 2000 or have done so in recent decades, occasionally pursuing local upgrades or additional weapon integrations.