New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is ready to acquire 24 Dassault-made second-hand ‘Mirage-2000’ fighter jets to improve the strength of the force. IAF will also secure parts for its two existing squadrons of the aircraft.
Amid the rising challenges at northern border areas and western borders – The government of India is working relentlessly to improve the strength of armed forces.
According to media reports, the IAF has initialed a 27 million euros contract to buy the fighters and out of these eight are in ready-to-fly condition. The report also revealed that these aircraft, which costs 1.125 million euros each, will soon be shipped to India in containers.
Out of the 24 fighters, eight are in ready-to-fly condition and 13 are incomplete condition with engine and airframe intact.
The India Air Force had used 35-year old Mirage planes to conduct the Air Strike in Balakot, Pakistan. In 1985, the Indian Air Force had purchased around 50 fourth-generation Mirage 2000 C and B fighters. This purchase was made with a maintenance contract that expired in 2005, following which IAF signed another contract in 2015-2016 with the French original equipment manufacturer.
