France eyes hot-weather operations for upgraded Mirage 2000Ds
The Mirage 2000D RMV can fly with various types of guided munition: pictured on the closest aircraft are a GBU-50 (centerline) and what could be a GBU-12 (front). The other aircraft carries two GBU-49s (front) and two Mk82s (rear), a gun pod and a targeti
Mirage 2000D RMV aircraft have been tested in Djibouti, with a view to deploy them on operational missions from Niger in 2022.
A pair of upgraded Mirage 2000D aircraft, upgraded to the MLU standard with the designation RMV, were deployed to the French base in Djibouti in July for flights with the 1/30 Côte d’Argent test and evaluation squadron (part of the French Air and Space Force air warfare centre CEAM).
Also involved was the evaluation unit in the French defence procurement agency DGA.
A series of flights aimed to measure the performance of the RMV upgrade in very hot weather conditions (Djibouti is regularly used for these kinds of tests, for example with the VADER ISR aircraft earlier in 2021).
The
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
