newindpress. older Mig27 sqdn numberplated. IAF has
46 Mirages today and will be getting 10 more soon as their
nav kit is updated. so 18 per sq incl reserves.
AF’s Gwalior squadron readies for Mirage 2000H
Wednesday August 25 2004 00:22 IST
NEW DELHI: The IAF’s 9 Squadron is gearing up to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-27s with new Mirage 2000H multi-role fighters.
The Gwalior-based 9 Squadron, code-named Wolfpack, should get a new Mirage 2000H fleet shortly _ sources told this website’s newspaper that they are supposed to be delivered by September.
Confirming the development, IAF sources said: “9 Squadron is already formed at Gwalior and is awaiting new aircraft. There is already a commanding officer and some ground crew, while the rest of the Squadron is in the process of being formed.”
The phasing out of 9 Squadron’s MiG-27s is part of the IAF’s long-drawn drive to upgrade some of its older MiG fleets, even though Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is currently upgrading existing MiG-27s with DRDO-made avionics systems.
HAL also has license to manufacture MiG-27s in India. MiG-27s are currently in operation across 8 IAF squadrons and the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
Both the Russian MiG-27 and French Mirage 2000 are single engine fighters. The MiG-27, with a maximum speed of 1.6 mach, is a tactical strike fighter, while the Mirage 2000, with a top speed of 2.3 mach, is a multi-role combat aircraft. The Mirage 2000, unlike the MiG-27, can also be refuelled in mid-air. Four Mirages will participate for the first time with the South African Air Force next month, which will also involve being refuelled in mid-air by an IL-78M.
While the MiG-27 is used by only four countries _ India, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan _ the Mirage 2000 is flown by countries which include France, Greece, Peru, Qatar, Egypt and the UAE.
Presently, the IAF’s 49 Mirages are divided between the 1 Squadron (Tigers) and 7 Squadron (Battleaxes).
Sign In
