French Mirage 2000D RMV Fighter Jets to Become Drone Hunters

The French army is upgrading its Mirage 2000D RMV fighter jets to adapt them to new challenges, in particular the counter drones.

The upgraded aircraft have already received new MICA IR missiles to replace the outdated Magic II missiles, as well as a CC422 30mm gun pod. However, it is currently only used to support ground forces, as there is no targeting system for air combat, according to opex360.

The army is considering options for equipping the Mirage 2000D with laser-guided missiles, such as the ACULEUS-LG from Thales.

This will allow for the effective destruction of drones, as has already been demonstrated by American F-16s, which used APKWS II 70mm rockets against drones in the Red Sea.

General Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, emphasized that the Mirage 2000D “has not said its last word” and that its potential in combating drones is being actively explored. In particular, concerning “flexible” solutions based on combat experience and with controlled costs.

A return to the idea of integrating AASM guided bombs, which have already proven themselves to be effective sovereign weapons, is also being considered. This will significantly expand the aircraft’s arsenal for precision strikes against ground targets.

In addition to weapons, the upgrade also covers software. Thanks to new mission programs and the ability to integrate artificial intelligence, the Mirage 2000D RMV will be able to better analyze data from the TALIOS optoelectronic system in real time.