NEW DELHI (Agencies): A Dassault Mirage 2000TH of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh on February 6. The aircraft, experiencing a system malfunction, went down, but both pilots successfully ejected and are safe. This crash marks the thirteenth incident involving an IAF Mirage 2000 since April 1987.
The IAF has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the crash. India began inducting the Mirage 2000 aircraft from 1984, and the fleet currently includes three variants: three Mirage 2000Is, thirty-nine Mirage 2000Hs, and eight dual-seat Mirage 2000THs, totaling 49 Mirage 2000 aircraft.
The Mirage 2000, a French multirole fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation, has been a pivotal asset for the IAF. Known for its versatility, speed, and advanced avionics, the Mirage 2000 has been employed in various roles, including air defense and ground attack missions. Despite its significant contributions, the recent crash underscores the challenges and risks associated with operating high-performance military aircraft.