Mirage 2000D Fighter Jet Crashes in France, One Dead

A Mirage 2000D fighter jet operated by the French Air and Space Force crashed in France, with two pilots on board.

The French Air and Space Force reported the incident on October 21.

The crash occurred on October 20 at around 10:40 p.m. local time near the commune of Rosières, in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north eastern France, as the aircraft was returning from a mission.

The fighter jet belonged to the 2/3 Champagne Fighter Squadron, based at Nancy-Ochey Air Base No. 133. Two crewmembers were on board: a pilot and a weapons systems operator (NOSA).

The body of one crew member was found at the crash site, and their identity is still being established. The search for the second service member is ongoing. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident has been launched.

The Mirage 2000D is a French-made two-seat strike aircraft designed to engage ground targets, including with precision-guided weapons. It can carry out combat missions by day and night, even in challenging weather conditions.

Militarnyi previously reported that France is upgrading its Mirage 2000D aircraft to the RMV standard, expanding their combat capabilities, including their ability to counter drones.