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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

To extend the operational relevance of its Mirage-2000 fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to integrate advanced munitions currently deployed on its Rafale jets, including the SCALP-EG long-range cruise missiles and Hammer precision-guided smart bombs. This modernization initiative is aimed at reinforcing the Mirage-2000’s capabilities as a frontline fighter until it is phased out over the next decade, by which time the domestically developed Tejas MkII is expected to assume a similar role.

The Mirage-2000 fleet, one of the most reliable platforms in the IAF’s inventory, already utilizes the Israeli SPICE-2000 smart bomb kit. However, integrating the SCALP-EG and Hammer bombs will provide it with advanced, battle-proven firepower that complements the existing arsenal.

The Rafales, acquired by the IAF with SCALP-EG and Hammer bombs as part of their weapons suite, have already benefited from these munitions in combat readiness drills. The IAF’s success with these systems on the Rafale underscores the potential advantage of expanding these capabilities to other critical assets, such as the Mirage-2000 and Tejas Mk1A, which already fields Hammer bombs.

The planned upgrades will further empower the Mirage-2000 fleet’s air-to-ground strike potential, bolstering its versatility in high-stakes missions. However, integration of the SCALP-EG will involve more complex system modifications due to the missile’s sophisticated targeting and guidance requirements. As such, the IAF will likely require Dassault’s technical assistance to adapt the Mirage-2000 systems for seamless SCALP-EG compatibility.

Hammer bombs, however, are relatively easier to integrate, as they do not necessitate significant changes to the avionics and sensor suites on the Mirage-2000. With minimal reconfiguration, the fleet can benefit from this versatile weapon, which is effective in both GPS-denied and adverse weather conditions, enhancing the platform’s lethality.

The upgrades to the Mirage-2000 are seen as a bridging capability as the IAF awaits the induction of the Tejas MkII. The upcoming MkII variant will incorporate both SCALP-EG missiles and Hammer smart bombs, serving as a long-term replacement for the Mirage-2000. Once Mirage-2000 are retired leftover SCALP-EG missiles and Hammer smart bombs can be incorporated into Rafale and Tejas MkII Squadrons said Industrial sources close to idrw.org.

Furthermore, the Rafale is expected to receive additional Indian-made weapons such as the Astra Mk1, an air-to-air missile, and the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). These upgrades, however, are exclusive to the Rafale and will not be extended to the Mirage-2000. This distinction underscores the IAF’s focus on customizing capabilities for specific platforms based on mission requirements.

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