France withdraws Mirage 2000Ds from Niger

[Zarvan]

France has withdrawn its two Mirage 2000D fighters from Niamey, Niger, where they had been supporting French counter-insurgency operations in the Sahara-Sahel region. Source: Frédéric Lert
France has withdrawn its two Dassault Mirage 2000D fighters from Niamey that had been supporting Operation 'Barkhane', France's anti-insurgency campaign in the Sahara-Sahel region of Africa.

The aircraft had been deployed in Niger from April 2014, after it was deemed necessary to base some strike assets closer to Mali than France's air base at N'Djamena in Chad. However, on 18 February they were withdrawn to allow their reassignment to Jordan to support France's efforts against the Islamic State (Operation 'Chammal').

The withdrawal of the Mirage 2000Ds comes despite France's operational tempo in Operation 'Barkhane' being said to be as high as ever. Without them, French air support in the Sahel will now be provided by the two remaining Mirage 2000Cs at Niamey (that may also soon be withdrawn), four Dassault Rafale fighters at N'Djamena, and French army aviation helicopters in Mali.

On the other hand, France announced on 14 February that it had deployed three Lance Roquette Unitaire (LRU) systems from the French Army's 1st Artillery Regiment to Mali. The LRU is a modification of the Lockheed Martin M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) armed with the 70 km-range 227 mm M31 high-explosive unitary warhead guided MLRS. It is unknown whether the LRUs are intended to provide counterbattery fire to protect French and UN camps or to provide long-range precision fires in support of French operations in northern Mali (or both).

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France withdraws Mirage 2000Ds from Niger | IHS Jane's 360

 

[Vergennes]

@Taygibay I have learned somewhere that soon,only the Rafale will remain for Chammal,while the Mirage 2000s will switch to Barkhane ?

 

[Taygibay]

Not sure about that, Vauban mec but it changes little.
From what Zarvan posted, 6 jet fighters is enough for Barkhane in any case
but better if a couple Rafales are in the mix.
However, one must not forget that the Reapers can provide targeting solutions
for the Cs and Diésels.
Plus, if you remember the Raffys with Qatar markings story, there may be a sales
related idea behind such a move if it in fact happens?

We'll see, bonjour chez vous, Tay.

 

[Vergennes]

Not sure about that, Vauban mec but it changes little.
From what Zarvan posted, 6 jet fighters is enough for Barkhane in any case
but better if a couple Rafales are in the mix.
However, one must not forget that the Reapers can provide targeting solutions
for the Cs and Diésels.
Plus, if you remember the Raffys with Qatar markings story, there may be a sales
related idea behind such a move if it in fact happens?

We'll see, bonjour chez vous, Tay.

That seems logical.

A terme, les Rafale pour Chammal et les Mirage 2000 pour Barkhane - Air&Cosmos