Thales, Dassault Aviation Sign IAF Mirage 2000 Fleet Upgrade Contract

Thales and Dassault Aviation today signed a contract for the upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 fleet. The contract was signed in New Delhi between the Indian MoD, IAF and representatives of Dassault and Thales. Based on the integration of latest generation equipment and systems, the upgrade will further enhance the technical-operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000. The aircraft represents a long tradition of cooperation with French military aviation, initiated 50 years ago, a Thales-Dassault joint press release said. The extensive involvement of Indian industry within the programme will consolidate existing ties with the French aerospace industry and will reinforce long-term cooperation based on cutting edge technologies and the sharing of technical know-how and expertise. Dassault Aviation and Thales are highly appreciative of the Indian government's continuing trust in them and are delighted with this contract that further consolidates the long-term strategic partnership between India and France, the press release said. Not mentioned in the press release was the fact that intensive bargaining on the part of the Indian MoD hammered down the upgrade price from an estimated US$7.3 million per aircraft to approximately US$3.4 million.