IAF Mirage 2000

Lions Of Punjab

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The Mirage 2000 Upgrade: What Makes India's Fighter Jet Better

16 years ago, I flew onboard Mirage 2000s of the Indian Air Force over Tiger Hill within days of India handing Pakistan a humiliating defeat in the Kargil war. It remains, what I consider, the biggest exclusive in my career as a journalist.

I had actually been cleared to fly in an operational sortie during the war by the then Defence Minister George Fernandes, but in July 1999, Pakistani forces were shell-shocked by wave after wave of Indian counter-attacks and the writing was on the wall.

Today, three decades after they entered service with the Indian Air Force, the Mirage 2000 is virtually a brand new aircraft with Dassault, the manufacturers of the jet, handing over the first of two upgraded Mirages to the IAF in a ceremony in Istres near Marseilles in France. The remaining 47 jets will be progressively upgraded with extensive French technical assistance by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL in Bangalore as part of a Rs. 17,547-crore contract finalised in 2011-2012.

The 'new' Mirage 2000, redesignated the Mirage 2000 I, is almost incomparable with the original jet courtesy a host of new systems onboard. At the heart of the upgrade is a new Thales RDY 2 radar, which allows for very long-range engagement of targets in the air, automatic tracking of targets, mapping of targets on the ground using Doppler beam-sharpening techniques, and the ability to track and engage targets which are moving on the ground.

The pilot, now equipped with a display inside their helmet, is able to see superimposed radar data without having to reference any of the displays inside the cockpit. In operational terms, this means that in the case of air combat, the pilot, who is looking through their helmet, can direct weapons by merely pointing their head in the direction of what needs to be hit as opposed to having to manoeuvre the entire jet in the direction of the target – see target, lock on to target, launch weapons.

A key component of the Mirage 2000 I is a host of new weapons, not least of which is the MICA air-to-air missile a state-of-the-art missile which is capable of engaging targets at beyond visual ranges and also at close ranges – one missile for two jobs. Non-upgraded Mirage 2000s in the IAF presently use the Super R-530D to hit aerial targets at long ranges and the Magic II missile for short-range engagements. In January 2012, the government had signed a $1.23 billion contract with the French firm MBDA for the supply of 450 MICA missiles.

In 1999, the Mirage that I flew on had a conventional cockpit with just one large monochrome multi-function display with several basic flight gauges. This was typical of many fighters of 80s vintage. Now, however, the Mirage 2000 features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with multi-colour, multi-function displays replacing bulky analogue gauges. The cockpit is neater, more user-friendly and far more simple to maintain.

For decades, the Indian Air Force has sworn by the capabilities of its Mirage 2000, the only real multi-role counter to the Pakistan Air Force's F-16s provided by the United States. Over time, however, the PAF's F-16s have been upgraded, while the IAF's Mirages have lost the technological edge. Not anymore. With this upgrade, the Mirage 2000, which entered service with the IAF way back in 1985, is good to go for another 30 years.

The Mirage 2000 Upgrade: What Makes India’s Fighter Jet Better | idrw.org
 

Lions Of Punjab

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The Mirage 2000 Upgrade: What Makes India's Fighter Jet Better

The pilot, now equipped with a display inside their helmet, is able to see superimposed radar data without having to reference any of the displays inside the cockpit. In operational terms, this means that in the case of air combat, the pilot, who is looking through their helmet, can direct weapons by merely pointing their head in the direction of what needs to be hit as opposed to having to manoeuvre the entire jet in the direction of the target – see target, lock on to target, launch weapons.

The Mirage 2000 Upgrade: What Makes India's Fighter Jet Better | idrw.org
Does Tejas has this capability of directly locking on target by just looking at it ??
 

cobra commando

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Does Tejas has this capability of directly locking on target by just looking at it ??
Saar, plis to check dis : :cool:
Better, HMDS used in Tejas have bore sight of 90 degree that means pilot can lock target just by looking at it at 90 degree any side, Where as MKI HMDS has only 60 degree bore-sight ..

Some details >>





 

cobra commando

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Mirage-2000 upgraded: Another HAL project takes off on schedule

Continuing its success in various projects recently, HAL flew the first FOC upgraded Mirage-2000 aircraft on July 28, adhering to the scheduled date of today. “We have done it again on time. What it proves is HAL’s capability for mid-life upgrade of platforms to overcome obsolescence issues, enhancing the reliability and maintainability of these aircraft. The introduction of a modern facility for this project ensured the timely upgradation of the Mirage fleet,” said T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL. The Final Operational Configuration (FOC) design was implemented on an Initial Operational Configured (IOC) aircraft, which was received at HAL about eight months ago. “This significant milestone could be achieved with the dedicated effort of HAL’s team of designers and engineers with active support from IAF, RCMA and DGAQA,” added Raju.

Mirage-2000 upgraded: Another HAL project takes off on schedule
 

BON PLAN

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Livefist also recently reported that the IAF’s keenness to explore a Meteor fit on its upgraded Mirage 2000 won’t be working out. MBDA has responded saying the MICA NG would be a better fit, given the Mirage 2000’s radar and fire control system wouldn’t be able to exploit the Meteor’s full capabilities. India’s upgraded Mirage 2000 fleet comes with a MICA IR/RF missile package similar to the one chosen for the Indian Rafale. The MICA NG is being made available to the latter platform too.


https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...sraam-armed-iaf-jaguar-debut-firing-soon.html
 

AmoghaVarsha

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Livefist also recently reported that the IAF’s keenness to explore a Meteor fit on its upgraded Mirage 2000 won’t be working out. MBDA has responded saying the MICA NG would be a better fit, given the Mirage 2000’s radar and fire control system wouldn’t be able to exploit the Meteor’s full capabilities. India’s upgraded Mirage 2000 fleet comes with a MICA IR/RF missile package similar to the one chosen for the Indian Rafale. The MICA NG is being made available to the latter platform too.


https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...sraam-armed-iaf-jaguar-debut-firing-soon.html
MICA NG is years away from induction. IAF will.have to find another option.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
 

Wisemarko

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This is an overpriced and mediocre upgrade that cannot match F-16 block 50 (already a decade old design). MICA NG induction date is beyond 2024 and current MICA cannot match AMRAAM C5/C7. The mechanically scanned radar on Mirage 2000-5 has half the range of APG-79 launched in 2005! When the world has moved to AESA and long range BVR AAMs why even bother with such wasteful spending? I smell lot of corruption.

Do you know Germany and France laws allow for commission in defense deals? France has never convicted a company for bribing foreign public officials, although, under statutes such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and the UK Bribery Act, French businesses with international operations often find themselves subject to prosecution and criminal investigation abroad for such conduct. They cannot pay bribes but have been caught so many times: here are some examples-

Thales
https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-57610220110609

Naval Group
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...s-to-face-trial-in-arms-sales-corruption-case

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/04/france-opens-probe-into-bribery-of-malaysias-najib-razak.html

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...-bribery-allegations-in-brazil-scorpene-sale/

With defense planners like this, one does not need enemies.
 
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Flying Dagger

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This is an overpriced and mediocre upgrade that cannot match F-16 block 50 (already a decade old design). MICA NG induction date is beyond 2024 and current MICA cannot match AMRAAM C5/C7. The mechanically scanned radar on Mirage 2000-5 has half the range of APG-79 launched in 2005! When the world has moved to AESA and long range BVR AAMs why even bother with such wasteful spending? I smell lot of corruption.

Do you know Germany and France laws allow for commission in defense deals? France has never convicted a company for bribing foreign public officials, although, under statutes such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and the UK Bribery Act, French businesses with international operations often find themselves subject to prosecution and criminal investigation abroad for such conduct. They cannot pay bribes but have been caught so many times: here are some examples-

Thales
https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-57610220110609

Naval Group
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...s-to-face-trial-in-arms-sales-corruption-case

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/04/france-opens-probe-into-bribery-of-malaysias-najib-razak.html

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...-bribery-allegations-in-brazil-scorpene-sale/

With defense planners like this, one does not need enemies.
I think they have already sent us the required kit for upgrade and HAL doing it now. I agree it's radar ain't aesa and with 2020 around the corner the amount we paid makes not much sense . Infact an Elta radar would have made more sense being cost effective and easy to integrate with Astra Derby ER and Python/ASRAAM weapon system. The whole deal stink but no point in going back now it's late.
 

abhay rajput

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This is an overpriced and mediocre upgrade that cannot match F-16 block 50 (already a decade old design). MICA NG induction date is beyond 2024 and current MICA cannot match AMRAAM C5/C7. The mechanically scanned radar on Mirage 2000-5 has half the range of APG-79 launched in 2005! When the world has moved to AESA and long range BVR AAMs why even bother with such wasteful spending? I smell lot of corruption.

Do you know Germany and France laws allow for commission in defense deals? France has never convicted a company for bribing foreign public officials, although, under statutes such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and the UK Bribery Act, French businesses with international operations often find themselves subject to prosecution and criminal investigation abroad for such conduct. They cannot pay bribes but have been caught so many times: here are some examples-

Thales
https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-57610220110609

Naval Group
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...s-to-face-trial-in-arms-sales-corruption-case

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/04/france-opens-probe-into-bribery-of-malaysias-najib-razak.html

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...-bribery-allegations-in-brazil-scorpene-sale/

With defense planners like this, one does not need enemies.
Dassault Mirage 2k is good for strike roles and interception... F16 got numerous upgrade over times , so it's not a fair comparison...and we all know that BVR combat at more than 50 km is useless b/w 4th generation aircrafts... moreover if you really want to compare then compare Rafale and f18 advanced super hornet or f16block 70.. IAF compare them and selected Rafale...
 

Wisemarko

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Sure they have and they pay huge fines for it. The Taiwan scandals are the first that comes to mind.
Please enlighten me, when did France convict any firm? Taiwan case came to light when Taiwan's navy filed for arbitration, after determining that kickbacks had been involved**
This forced the French court to take the case per contract terms. Since acceptance of new rules in 2017, hopefully the corrupt practices will change.

**



France, Thales SA Agree To Pay 630 Million Euros In Frigate Case
By Joe Palazzolo
June 9, 2011 3:05 pm ET
The French government and defense electronics company Thales SA agreed to pay EUR630 million to Taiwan in compensation, capping a 20-year-old bribery scandal over frigate sales, The Wall Street Journal reported.


The agreement stems from a EUR2.5 billion contract in 1991 to provide Taiwan six French frigates. The French bid beat out a lower-cost South Korean competitor. Several years later, Taiwan's navy filed for arbitration, after determining that kickbacks had been involved.

The arbitrator ordered payment of restitution last year. Thales filed an appeal, but a Paris court rejected it on Thursday. The company said it would pay about EUR170 million to Taiwan, while the French government, which guaranteed the frigate contract, said it would pay about EUR460 million of the restitution, the Journal reported
 

Armand2REP

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Please enlighten me, when did France convict any firm? Taiwan case came to light when Taiwan's navy filed for arbitration, after determining that kickbacks had been involved**
This forced the French court to take the case per contract terms. Since acceptance of new rules in 2017, hopefully the corrupt practices will change.
French courts cannot initiate proceedings for a crime that occurred outside of their jurisdiction. What they can do is uphold and enforce the rulings of the other nation's court.
 

BON PLAN

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This is an overpriced and mediocre upgrade that cannot match F-16 block 50 (already a decade old design). MICA NG induction date is beyond 2024 and current MICA cannot match AMRAAM C5/C7. The mechanically scanned radar on Mirage 2000-5 has half the range of APG-79 launched in 2005! When the world has moved to AESA and long range BVR AAMs why even bother with such wasteful spending? I smell lot of corruption.

Do you know Germany and France laws allow for commission in defense deals? France has never convicted a company for bribing foreign public officials, although, under statutes such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and the UK Bribery Act, French businesses with international operations often find themselves subject to prosecution and criminal investigation abroad for such conduct. They cannot pay bribes but have been caught so many times: here are some examples-

Thales
https://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-57610220110609

Naval Group
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...s-to-face-trial-in-arms-sales-corruption-case

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/04/france-opens-probe-into-bribery-of-malaysias-najib-razak.html

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2...-bribery-allegations-in-brazil-scorpene-sale/

With defense planners like this, one does not need enemies.
A US average citizen answer....
1) MICA, as AMRAAM, evolved. But it's not as marketed than in US with 'C5' or 'C7' or 'D'... and I don't speak of MICA NG...
2) It is well known that the range of US weappons is overestimed.
3) The sole F16 shooted down in air to air engagement wat fired by a Greek Mirage 2000, from a older version (with RDM adar). US products are over hyped.
4) An AESA radar is usefull to make differen task at the same moment. For the sole air to air mission, a good mecanical radar is better than a poor AESA one.
5) what is the range of APG 79 ? with a so small nose cone....

Always the same thing with US citizens : they think they are the best in all fields.... LOL
 

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