Indian Air Force Takes Major Decision Due To Squadron Crisis Mirage 2000 Service Life Extended

Amid shortage of squadrons and delayed deployment of new fighter aircraft, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to extend the service life of its flagship fighter aircraft Mirage 2000 till 2038-39. This decision has been taken by revising the previously decided retirement plan of 2035, so as to prevent any major gap in the operational capability of the Air Force.

It is noteworthy that Mirage-2000 aircraft played an important role during the Balakot airstrike in 2019. Under Operation Bandar, 12 Mirage-2000 “Vajra” fighters targeted terrorist hideouts with precise strikes at night. SPICE-2000 guided bombs were used in this operation, whose strike capability is up to about 60 km stand-off range.

The IAF currently has around 31 fighter squadrons, while 42 squadrons are required to deal with the two-front (China and Pakistan) threat. According to estimates, India has about 600 combat aircraft, while potential adversaries have more than 1000.

Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh has also indicated that the required squadron strength may increase further in the changing security scenario. In such a situation, maintaining an experienced platform like Mirage-2000 is being considered strategically important.

Three squadrons of Mirage-2000 have been upgraded with modern radar, avionics and missile systems, maintaining its multirole capability. The aircraft is capable of both interception and strike missions and remains effective against aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and Chengdu J-10.

This expansion is also supported by Dassault Aviation, which has committed to providing technical support and spare parts even after 2035. Additionally, spares from globally retiring aircraft will also help maintain the availability of the fleet.

This decision is not limited to maintaining numbers only, but is also important to ensure strategic flexibility. This will provide a strong “safety net” until new platforms like Rafale and HAL Tejas Mk2 are fully ready.

Meanwhile, the 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program is also progressing, but its delivery will still take time. In such a situation, the expanded use of Mirage-2000 will play a decisive role in maintaining the operational capability of the IAF.

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