Mirage upgrade deal likely soon
The proposed deal for upgradation of the Indian Air Force’s 51 French-origin Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft — that could cost $2.2 billion — could soon be inked despite tough negotiations between India and the concerned French companies, wherein “both sides refused to budge”, top IAF sources have told this newspaper.
Despite concerns over the exorbitant cost involved, IAF sources expressed confidence that the deal would soon be clinched after months of “tough negotiations” between the two sides on various factors, including costs. “Problems also surfaced on the issue of bank guarantees but the deal now is almost through,” IAF sources said. The deal is expected to come up soon before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
The deal was not inked during French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to New Delhi last month, fuelling speculation that the high monetary cost was a major roadblock. Concerns were also expressed by critics that the cost of the upgrades would be such that even new fighter aircraft could be acquired for the same amount. Comparisons have also been drawn with the much cheaper upgrade deal — inked two years ago — involving over 60 of the IAF’s Russian-origin MiG-29 fighter aircraft that was reportedly for about $950 million.
The first batch of the Mirage-2000 aircraft was acquired by the IAF in the mid-1980s. The original manufacturer, Dassault, however no longer makes these aircraft. “But Dassault, along with (defence electronic systems company) Thales — the French companies involved in the proposed upgrade — will supervise and implement the modifications that include new radars, navigation systems, new weapon delivery systems, missiles, electronic warfare systems and cockpit modifications,” said sources. But there will be no air-frame modifications.
According to the proposed deal, two of the Mirage-2000 aircraft will be upgraded in France by Dassault, two aircraft will be upgraded in India by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) under the direct supervision of the French, while the rest of the 47 aircraft will be upgraded by HAL with technical support extended by French companies. The upgrades are intended to prolong the life of these fighter aircraft while retaining their combat edge. There is also speculation that the proposed upgrades of these 47 aircraft by HAL may push up the total project cost significantly.
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