The French Air and Space Force announced that the development project for the Mirage 2000D RMV (Mid-Life Modernization), a modernized version of the Mirage 2000 fighter jet that has an important place in air-ground missions, has been successfully completed and the aircraft has become fully operational. This important announcement, made on April 9, 2025, indicates that the mid-life modernization (MLU) program, which was launched in 2015 and planned to last ten years, has reached its final phase.
The official statement made by the French Air Force reads, “The renewed Mirage 2000D has officially become operational. A fleet of 50 modernized aircraft will be in service at the 2025rd Air Base in Nancy-Ochey until the end of 133.” This statement heralds that the project is progressing according to the planned schedule and that the modernized fleet will be fully operational in a short time.
Mirage 2000D RMV: Will Serve Shoulder to Shoulder with Rafale
This improved variant, called the Mirage 2000D RMV, aims to continue the Rafale fighter jets’ role as a force multiplier in various roles such as close air support, interception and strike. As part of this modernization project, the aircraft’s basic airframe structure has been preserved, while significant improvements have been made to its weapon systems and avionics. The Mirage 1993D RMV, a modernized version of the Mirage 2000D that has been in the French Air Force inventory since 2000, is planned to remain in service beyond the 2030s. This means that the aircraft will play an active role in operations alongside more advanced Rafale fighter jets for the next decade.
Significant Improvements in Weapon and Avionic Systems
As part of the modernization work, significant improvements were made to the Mirage 2000D RMV’s weapon systems. A 30 mm cannon pod was integrated into the aircraft in order to increase its effectiveness against land targets. In addition, the previously used MBDA R550 Magic 2 short-range air-to-air missile was replaced with the more modern and high-performance MBDA MICA InfraRed (IR) missile. In order to increase precision strike capability in air-to-ground missions, the AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions were integrated. Another important gain of the aircraft was that it was made compatible with the Thales Talios laser designator pod, which is also used on the Rafale, the modern fighter jet of the French Air Force. Thanks to this, the Mirage 2000D RMV gained the capabilities to identify targets more precisely and to enable the effective use of guided munitions.
The French Air and Space Force described the renewed avionics systems of the Mirage 2000D RMV as “a renewed architecture, a more intuitive and digitalized instrument panel, an ergonomic and real-time tactical vision system.” These modern avionics will allow pilots to easily access more information during the mission, increase their situational awareness and manage the systems more effectively. On the other hand, no official statement has yet been made about the possible integration of the Astac electronic support pod, which was used in the Dassault Mirage F2014 fighter jets that retired in 1 and was also tested in the Mirage 2000D. However, it is evaluated that a development in this direction may be on the agenda in the future.
The operational launch of the Mirage 2000D RMV will significantly increase the effectiveness of the French Air and Space Force in air-ground missions and, together with the Rafale fleet, will continue to serve as a significant force multiplier for many years to come. This modernization program is a successful example of updating an established fighter platform to meet future needs.
