The first of 12 refurbished Mirage 2000B/C fighters bought by Brazil from France is seen here during its delivery flight. The first two aircraft were commissioned Sept. 4. (Brazilian Air Force photo)
More Power for Air Defence – Air Force Receives Mirage F-2000 Aircraft
(Source: Brazilian Air Force; issued Sept. 6, 2006)
(Issued in Portuguese only; unofficial translation and editing by defense-aerospace.com)
ANAPOLIS, Brazil --- The first two Mirage 2000C aircraft, out of a total of 12 bought from France by the Brazilian Air Force, were officially taken into service on Sept. 4 by the 1st Air Defence Wing (Primeiro Grupo de Defesa Aérea, 1º GDA), in Anapolis.
The ceremony was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Defence Minister Waldir Pires, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Luiz Carlos da Silva Bueno, and other officials.
President Lula stressed the significance of the new aircraft, and highlighted the dedication of the Air Force to its missions.
“With the Mirages, we are filling a gap in our air defenses. Our strategic defence plan includes the future acquisition of the FX combat aircraft, which are indispensable to the Air Force’s technological development.”
The agreed delivery schedule calls for two additional aircraft to be delivered in October, four in 2007 and another four in 2008.
The two aircraft delivered today will take part in the Sept. 7 fly-past by the Air Force in Brasilia, alongside four French fighters of the same type. (ends)
Additional Information
(Source: Brazilian Presidential Administration; issued Sept. 4, 2006)
(Issued in Portuguese only; unofficial translation and editing by defense-aerospace.com)
The acquisition agreement signed by the Brazilian and French governments in July 2005, which also includes the provision of support equipment and services, is valued at 80 million euros.
Brazilian pilots and mechanics will be trained in France.
The Mirage 2000, designated F-2000 in Brazilian service, has an estimated service life to 2025. It is in service with the French Air force.
The Mirages are being delivered to Brazil after a complete refurbishment.
-ends-
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bi ... ele=jdc_34
![[018]](./images/smilies/018.gif)
![8-]](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif "Cool"){kind=icon}