The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently faces a shortage of fighter jets, with only 31 squadrons instead of the required 40, but there is hope for relief in the near future. Qatar has proposed to provide 12 lightly used Mirage-2000-5 fighters. An IAF team, led by a Group Captain (analogous to an Army Colonel), is expected to visit Doha in the near future to evaluate these aircraft.

This proposal is under serious consideration as the asking price is affordable and includes additional benefits such as spare parts, engines, testing equipment, and crucially, air-to-air weapons like the MICA.

The total cost for each aircraft, inclusive of the extra engines, spare parts, and weapons, is less than Rs 500 crores, which is considered a bargain. These fighters have been sparingly used, with about 30 percent of their operational life, or roughly 1,500 flying hours, still remaining. The Indian knack for resourcefulness could potentially extend their lifespan even further. This comes as a boon, especially considering the potential delay in the delivery of the indigenous LCA-Mark 1A and the ongoing discussions regarding the purchase of 12 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters that the government has approved.

India’s existing fleet of around 50 Mirage-2000s is advantageous, as the Qatari aircraft is the 2000-5 model, an upgraded version, but not significantly different in terms of operation or maintenance. Therefore, it wouldn’t require much additional training for the pilots and engineers. The Mirage-2000 has a commendable track record, having been deployed in the Kargil war and subsequently in the strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot, deep within Pakistan. It was also used when the Pakistan Air Force launched an attack on Indian military bases the day after the Balakot strike.

However, there is a concern that Pakistan is reportedly interested in these aircraft. Consequently, if the aircraft are deemed suitable, decisions will need to be made swiftly, as Pakistan, despite its economic woes, always manages to allocate funds for its military.

Indian Air Force
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In the meantime, Michel Spinellis, a high-ranking official from the Greek defence ministry, is scheduled to visit New Delhi to discuss strengthening military ties with India. Greece, already a strategic ally, has offered 18 Mirage-2000s. These older aircraft can be dismantled and used for spare parts. Preliminary reports indicate that India could purchase some of these 18 aircraft and has requested an offer from Greece. The Greeks might propose a joint bid to France to purchase Rafales. India currently has 36 Rafales, while the Hellenic Air Force has 24. A joint order could potentially result in a slight price reduction and expedited delivery, according to the Greeks.

Both offers from Qatar, a significant supplier of natural gas to India, and Greece, a close ally, are welcome, particularly in light of the dwindling fighter strength. The Qatari jets would constitute about 60-65 percent of a squadron, a much-needed boost for the IAF.

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