India and Qatar Discuss Buying 12 Mirage-2000 Fighter Jets

New Delhi [India], June 21: India and Qatar are in talks about a proposal for India to purchase 12 second-hand Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar. The discussions took place in New Delhi, where Indian officials were given a presentation on the current state of the jets.

The jets are reported to be in very good condition and compatible with India’s existing Mirage-2000 fleet. Although the Indian fleet is more advanced, the engines of both Indian and Qatari aircraft are the same, making maintenance easier.

Qatar is offering the jets for around Rs 5,000 crore, which includes missiles and additional engines. Indian officials are keen to negotiate a reasonable price. The jets are intended for flying operations, not for spare parts.

If the deal goes through, it will increase India’s Mirage fleet to 60. The Mirage fleet, based in Gwalior, has been crucial for the Indian Air Force in major operations like the Kargil war and Balakot air strikes, and along the LAC with China.