India and Qatar Mirage-2000 fighter jets: Key talks on the proposal to purchase 12 second-hand Qatari Mirage-2000-5 fighter planes for the Indian Air Force (IAF) between India and Qatar took place on Friday in New Delhi
Using defense sources, a presentation on the present situation of the fighter jets was given to Indian officials, the news agency ANI said.
Officials noted the planes are in really “good condition” and have a lot of life left in them.
According to Business Standard, the plan is under review by the Indian authorities, who also assess the fit of the provided Mirage-2000-5 aircraft with India’s current fleet of more modern Mirage-2000 aircraft.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Visit India, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The report claims that since India uses the same engines, it would be simpler for her to keep the two sets of aircraft maintained.
Still, a major talking point in the negotiations is the cost of the jets. India is looking for a fairer price, while the Qatari side has made an offer for the twelve aircraft at Rs 5,000 crore.
Missiles and extra engines for flying operations would be features of the Qatari aircraft.
The officials noted that the aircraft would be used for flying activities if the transaction went through, hence, they would not be intended for spare parts or maintenance needs.
India is set to Become Submarine Manufacturing Hub in Asia Pacific
Purchased from a French vendor during the COVID-19 epidemic, the IAF already has a sizable inventory of spare parts and tools. IAF struck a contract with a French company in 2021 to buy phased-down Mirage 2000 aircraft for spare purposes. On August 31, the agreement valued at Rs 300 crore was sealed.
If the agreement with Qatar comes through, the IAF’s Mirage fleet will grow to sixty.
Including the Kargil war and Balakot air strikes, the fleet has been a component of various important IAF operations.
