Existe um documento da Dassault chamado "Mirage 2000 Combat Aircraft Upgrade in Dassault Aviation. Solution for NWDS System Open and Affordable":
" MIRAGE 2000 are in operational service within several Air Forces since 1983. The outstanding structural sturdiness of the Mirage allowing them to fly over 2015-2020, allow Dassault Aviation to consider mid-life update. MIRAGE 2000 mid-life update shall comply with the following criteria: (1) Multirole aircraft, able to carry a wide variety of Air to Air and Air to Surface missions, (2) Affordable costs, (3) Replacement of current sensors (for example : RDM radar) by state of the art modern sensors with up to date operational performances (for example multi shoot fire control), (4) Replacement of the current WNDS core system by an open system based on modular avionics architecture allowing, in particular, to separate application software and hardware, (5) Replacement of the current cockpit lay out by a modern glass cockpit taking benefit of the numerous advantages of the Man-Machine-Interface fitted on the MIRAGE 2000-5, (6) Implementation of new functions, by the customer's national industry, thanks to a modern software workshop installed at the customer's facilities. The target of this mid-life update is to obtain a new version of MIRAGE 2000 with a fly away price for new aircraft of 80% of the one of MIRAGE 2000-5 but with attractive operational characteristics."
Só que 80% do custo de um -5 ainda é um valor muito alto.
Outra opção poderia ser como o upgrade que a Índia está contratando, com recheio da Elbit, a mesma que fornece os aviônicos dos F-5M, A-29 e A-1M:
“Defense News”: Elbit Systems in Indian upgrade
Elbit Systems is seen providing EW systems and other avionics through a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics.
Erez Wollberg 30 Jul 07 15:10
“Defense News” reports that Elbit Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) will probably provide avionics in the upgrade of 51 Indian Air Force Mirage 2000-H fighter jets as a subcontractor for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL).
“Defense News” says, “Although the contract has not yet been signed, officials with HAL, prime contractor for the $1 billion upgrade program, said Elbit has been selected to supply electronic warfare systems and other avionics.”
“Defense News” adds that parts of the integration and software tasks will be performed in Bangalore by Halbit Avionics, an equity partnership struck early this year between HAL and Elbit Systems. HAL holds half of Halbit, Elbit Systems holds 26% and Merlinhawk Ltd., a Bangalore consulting firm, 24%.
“Defense News” quotes an HAL executive as saying that France’s Dassault will be another subcontractor, and has made a commitment with Elbit Systems to supply non-avionics components, including upgrades to the airframe, non-avionics systems and the engine. Elbit Systems has been engaged in the upgrade of several types of MiG aircraft and has integrated R-73 beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles in the Mirage 2000-H.
“Defense News” quotes an Indian Ministry of Defence official as saying that the upgrade program will be completed in five years and will include building a prototype aircraft in India in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, HAL and Dassault. Thales of France and state-owned, Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics also will be involved in the program, which is expected to win final contract approval this year.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - http://www.globes.co.il - on July 30, 2007
P.S.: Outro detalhe é que a modernização de apenas 12 aviões pode não compensar.
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