UAE's Mirage 2000-9 Fighter Jet Upgrade Program Continues
French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, along with partners Snecma Moteurs and Thales, has upgraded the United Arab Emirates' Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jets to the Mirage 2000-9 standard.
Mirage 2000-9 Upgrade Program]
Dassault Aviation, in collaboration with Snecma Moteurs and Thales, has been instrumental in upgrading the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force & Air Defence's Mirage 2000 fighter jets to the advanced Mirage 2000-9 configuration. This partnership builds on a long-standing relationship dating back to the Mirage V and the initial Mirage 2000 acquisition by the UAE.
The contract, signed in 1998, involved 62 Mirage 2000-9 aircraft, comprising 32 new builds and 30 upgraded existing airframes under the Bader 21 initiative. The upgrade significantly enhanced capabilities, integrating a new RDY-2 radar, modular avionics, and advanced weapon systems, including Mica IR/EM missiles and the Black Shaheen cruise missile.
A key aspect of the program involved substantial industrial cooperation. Following validation of the conversion process in France, the retrofitting operations were transferred to Al Dhafra in the UAE. Additionally, local firm GAMCO has been responsible for third-level maintenance, fostering in-country expertise in aviation technology.
The development encompassed a wide range of enhancements, covering navigation and attack systems, as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities. Notably, the modular avionics and countermeasure systems featuring interferometry technology represent cutting-edge advancements, comparable to those found in advanced aircraft like the F-22 and F-35.
This technologically ambitious program has solidified the defense cooperation between France and the UAE. The upgrade and delivery schedule is phased over several years, ensuring the continued operational readiness and enhanced capabilities of the UAE Air Force.