With the IAF phasing out several MiG variants and delays in the Light Combat Aircraft project, India is holding talks with France to acquire over 120 Mirage-2000-5 as an interim measure.The Mirage-2000-5 has emerged as the frontrunner for the IAF, edging out the Swedish JAS-Grippen fighter and the MiG-29. While the IAF maintains a couple of MiG-29 squadrons and the naval version has been ordered by the Navy as part of the Admiral Gorshkov package, it is understood that the Mirage-2000-5 has been favoured by the IAF.A single-engined multi-role combat aircraft, the Mirage-2000-5 is a more advanced version and has better avionics as well as weapon carrying capacity. Confirming that the IAF is looking to acquire new aircraft, IAF spokesman Sqn Ldr Mahesh Upasni said: ‘‘The IAF has short-listed several combat aircraft to keep up its squadron strengths.’’According to South Block sources, the Mirage-2000-5 is also being considered to improve the recently set-up Strategic Command, in-charge of the country’s nuclear assets. With the LCA programme delayed due to US sanctions after Pokhran-II as well as the phasing out of the MiG-21 FL, the MiG-23 BN, the MiG-25 and the MiG-27, the IAF needs a light combat aircraft with multi-role capabilities.Meanwhile, Pakistan has been jointly developing the J-7 with China, which is expected to serve as the Pakistan Air Force’s backbone in the coming years. While the IAF is looking at inducting nearly 200 SU-30 MKIs over the next five years, it has felt the need for a smaller aircraft that would serve in a multi-role capacity.
