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IAF keen on acquiring Mirage 2000-5 fighters

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

The Indian Air Force is keen on acquiring Mirage 2000-5 multi-role fighters, but no final decision has been taken yet, IAF sources said, pointing out that serious negotiations were yet to take place.

Air Chief Marshal A Y Tipnis, who is in France on an official visit, is expected to fly a Mirage 2000-5 during his stay. However, sources at Air Headquarters said no negotiations would take place during the chief's visit.

Sources said the interest shown in the Mirage 2000-5 was "in keeping with the IAF's attempt to be at the forefront of technological developments," and added that the force may take up a formal request for acquistion with the new government.

"We are not saying we have decided on the Mirage 2000-5, but, of course, it is a fighter plane that is preferred by us," officials said and hinted that the IAF may want to acquire two or three squadrons.

In the post-Kargil period, analyses have shown that Mirage 2000 fighters were able to do a very efficient job. The performance of the Mirage 2000s has forced Air Headquarters to take a more lenient look at the Mirage 2000-5, the quoted price of which had in the past deterred IAF from any further negotiations.

Presently, the IAF is involved in the purchase of 10 Mirage-2000s approved by the Cabinet in 1996 to complete the strengths of the two Mirage 2000 squadrons.

Officials added that the Mirage 2000-5 is much more advanced in avionics and has a new multiple target air-to-ground and air-to-air firing procedure, besides a unique new visualisation and control system.

As a multi-role combat aircraft with particularly versatile air-to-air mission capabilities, the Mirage 2000-5 integrates the know-how based on the experience gained from the previous Mirage 2000 versions -- the Mirage 2000 DA, Mirage 2000 E, Mirage 2000 D. According to IAF sources it can carry the most-advanced armaments, including "nuclear warheads."

The Mirage 2000-5 is available as a single or a two-seater aircraft, and the latter can be employed also for training. The Mirage 2000-5's weapon delivery system is designed for firing the Matra MICA multi-target air-to-air intercept and combat missiles, as well as Magic 2 combat missiles whose system integrates detection capabilities.

The Mirage 2000-5 single-seater version is fitted with 2 internal 30mm guns and can . simultaneously carry 4 MICA and 2 Magic missiles.

According to reports from Paris, France has offered to sell the latest Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft and is actively promoting its Advanced Jet Trainer Alpha jets.

These offers were made to the air force chief during his ongoing visit. "He is not there for any commercial negotiations, so no decisions will be taken immediately," air force sources reiterated.

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