Dassault Aviation and Thales sign contract to upgrade Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 fleet

Paris, – Dassault Aviation and Thales today signed a contract for the upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 fleet.

Based on the integration of latest generation equipment and systems, the upgrade will further enhance the technical-operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000. The aircraft represents a long tradition of cooperation with French military aviation, initiated 50 years ago.

The extensive involvement of Indian industry within the programme will consolidate existing ties with the French aerospace industry and will reinforce long-term cooperation based on cutting edge technologies and the sharing of technical know-how and expertise.

Dassault Aviation and Thales are highly appreciative of the Indian government’s continuing trust in them and are delighted with this contract that further consolidates the long-term strategic partnership between India and France. They reiterate their commitment to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and underline their pride in contributing to India’s defence for over half a century.

About Dassault Aviation
In the past sixty years, Dassault Aviation has delivered more than 7,500 civil and military aircraft to 75 countries, logging some 20 million flight hours to date. This unique worldwide experience has allowed Dassault Aviation to build up considerable expertise in the design, development, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, gaining recognition for its know-how, innovative operational solutions, and pragmatic and dynamic approach to cooperation. The company has progressively harnessed advances in systems technologies and airborne vectors to propose the most cost-effective solutions to users. Through its pragmatic approach to cooperation, Dassault Aviation has established an extensive network of new partnerships that is optimised not only for the success of today’s programmes but to help develop synergies within the defence industries of tomorrow.

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2010, the company generated revenues of €12.1 billion with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.
www.thalesgroup.com