The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire 24 second-hand Mirage 2000 fighters, made by Dassault Aviation, in an attempt to strengthen its ageing fleet of the fourth-generation fighters and also secure parts for its two existing squadrons of the aircraft.
IAF has initialled a contract worth 27 million euros to buy the fighters, eight of which are in ready-to-fly condition. That works out to a per-aircraft acquisition cost of 1.125 million euros. According to sources, aircraft will soon be shipped to India in containers.
Out of the 24 fighters, 13 are in complete condition with engine and airframe intact with eight of them (nearly half a squadron) ready to fly after servicing. The remaining 11 fighters are partially complete but with fuel tanks and ejection seats, which will be scavenged to secure parts for IAF’s two existing squadrons of the fighter.
Source: Hindustan Times
