Although the Mirage 2000C aircraft of the French Air and Space Force were retired several years ago, this was not the case for the Mirage 2000D (a ground-attack variant derived from the M2000N), which will remain in service until the end of the decade. This is due to the force having launched, years ago, a mid-life modernization program known as RMV (Rénovation Mi-Vie), involving the upgrade of 50 aircraft, all of which will be operational by the end of the current year, 2025, thus concluding a decade-long effort.
Yesterday, April 9, the French Air and Space Force shared the latest updates on the RMV program for its Mirage 2000D fleet, confirming that Air Base 133 in Nancy-Ochey will host 50 upgraded and operational aircraft by the end of the year, marking the conclusion of ten years of work on the program’s implementation.
Broadly speaking, the modernization has included the selection of the best airframes for a life-extension program, which comprised the renewal of avionics and weapons systems, as well as the integration of new target designation systems. Of note were the tests and evaluations of TALIOS pods, which replace the DAMOCLES pods.
Reviewing the new capabilities of the Mirage 2000D RMV, the French Air and Space Force highlighted the installation of new 30 mm DEFA CC422 cannons, the ability to launch MICA IR air-to-air missiles (replacing the Magic 2), and the use of laser-guided bombs such as the GBU-48 and GBU-50.
It was emphasized that, thanks to the new upgrades and avionics systems—which enable the adoption of an open architecture, digitalized cockpits, and improvements in vision and ergonomics—the M2000Ds will continue to perform missions such as close air support, precision strikes, and joint combat operations alongside the modern Rafale aircraft well into the 2030s.
Photographs: French Air and Space Force.
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