Mirage 2000C from Fighter Squadron 2/5 Île de France will come back in Niamey from Barkhane operation, despite statements, on their last return from this mission, that it was their last.
Squadron 2/5 Ile de France back in Niamey.
Two Dassault Mirage 2000C from Fighter Squadron 2/5 Île de France are going to join the Sahel for Barkhane during november 2020, to replace two of the seven Mirage 2000D. These jet fighters are necessary to French military Space and Air Force, with dozens of air strikes who were launched only this year against terrorist groups.
Mirage 2000C has an ability to carry 4 bomb Mk82
Mirage 2000C has an ability to carry 4 bombs Mk82, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, but also, contrary to Mirage 2000D, he has two 30 mm cannons. A retrofit on Mirage 2000D is in course, and he will soon has the ability to carry a 30mm cannon pod.
Need for an external designator
Mirage 2000C & 2000D operates as Mixed Fighter Force Operation (MFFO), because Mirage 2000C need an external designator for the targeting. It can be 2000D ; the aircraft ATL2 (Atlantic 2) with its EO/IR MX 20 ; a designator on the ground ; or UAV Reaper. And, soon, the ALSR Vador.
It could be the last mission for 2000C, which would retire at the middle of 2022, and the training mission would be transferred to Squadron 2/3 Champagne.