Abingdonboy
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Paris: The first upgraded Mirage – 2000 for the Indian Air Force is scheduled to make its first flight in 2nd half reports French company Dassault’s First Half-year 2013 Result. “The Indian MIRAGE 2000 modernization program is on track. First flight is planned in the second half of 2013,” it stated.
IAF’s MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 fleet have been contracted for upgrade during the 11th Plan period. On 29 July 2011, India had inked the $950 Million contract to upgrade the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 with 2 french companies.
As per the contract the first two aircraft will be upgraded in France by Thales and Dassault Aviation, and the balance aircraft’s will be upgraded in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Bangalore. The upgrade will enhance the avionics as well as the weapons delivery capability of the aircraft. The upgrade is expected to be completed within a period of ten years, (by 2021) from the date of signing of the contract.
A contract has also been signed with MBDA, France, for procurement of MICA air to air missiles for the Mirage 2000 aircraft. Delivery of MICA missiles is scheduled between 2015 and 2019.
The half year report is not very forthcoming on sale of Rafale aircraft to India. “RAFALE carries our hopes with export and its operational successes, especially in Mali. However, interrogations weigh on budgetary policies concerning French programs. It is important to sign the RAFALE contract with India,… RAFALE program was marked, in the first half-year 2013, by the negotiations of the contract following on RAFALE selection in 2012 by the Government of India. Prospecting continues in other countries.” it said.
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http://frontier[NO SPACE]india[***]net/upgraded-indian-air-force-mirage-2000-to-fly-in-2nd-half-2013-dassault#axzz2aTo8YCVG