The Mirage F1 was not first the choice of the French Air Force to replace its Mirage III serie, it was “ordered” to buy it by the French government.

The company Dassault through buying its competiors in France came to be the only designer of jet fighter therefore being the only choice available. The Air Force was more interested in the up-coming Mirage 4000. The same situation repetated itself few years later when the French Navy had to replace its old Crusarder. The Admirals were looking at leasing or buying second hand FA-18 Hornet while waiting for the much delayed Rafale. Somehow they were “advised” to have their old Crusarder being up-graded by Dassault at a costly price. For many years to come the French aircraft carriers had to rely on the US. Navy for fighter cover or not going in harm’s way. The Crusarder was not able to take on the MiG-29 or SU-27.