France approves Mirage 2000D upgrade

[Zarvan]

France's Mirage 2000D multirole fighters are to receive a mid-life upgrade. Source: Frederic Lert
Key Points

• France's Mirage 2000Ds are to be modernised
• In total 55 aircraft will go through the MLU, improving their radar, avionics, and weapons fit

The French Air Force's Mirage 2000D multirole fighter aircraft have been approved to receive a mid-life update (MLU), a move long awaited by the service.

Proposals for an MLU for the aircraft have been recommended since 2008, but repeatedly deferred as a cost-saving measure.

Although yet to be announced by the French Ministry of Defence, approval for the MLU was granted on 3 December. In total, 55 aircraft will be modernised and will soldier on until at least 2030. The first aircraft to go through the MLU process should be delivered in 2019.

The Mirage 2000D entered service in 1993 France purchased a total of 86. About 60 of these remain in service today and the 2000D community is heavily committed on overseas operations.

The Mirage's modernisation is seen as an absolute necessity for the French Air Force. The service will be struggling to maintain a total fleet of 185 combat aircraft (225 in total for France, including 40 Navy's Rafales) in the years to come, with Rafale production for France now on standby and assets increasingly committed to training Rafale export clients.

Managing the radar and avionics obsolescence will be the most important item within the MLU's boundaries. Today less than 30% of the Mirage 2000D fleet is said to be "full option" and "opex" (overseas operations) capable, being fitted with the Remotely Operated Video-Enhanced Receiver (ROVER), GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, datalink, encrypted radios, and other elements.

The MLU will also trade the Mirage 2000D's MBDA R550 Magic 2 short range air-to-air missiles (which will be soon withdrawn from service) for the newer MBDA MICA IR missile for self-defence. A gun pod will be mounted to enable close air support missions and probably air-to-air in a low threat environment or during air-policing missions.

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France approves Mirage 2000D upgrade | IHS Jane's 360