IAF Seeks Private Sector Collaboration for SNECMA M53 Engine Components, Eyes to Extend Mirage 2000 Life Through Indigenous Solutions

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to extend the operational life of its Mirage 2000 fighter jet fleet by tapping into the potential of India's private sector. The focus is on establishing domestic manufacturing of spares for the SNECMA M53 engine, crucial for keeping the Mirage 2000s flying until at least 2035.

The Mirage 2000, a multi-role fighter jet, has been a cornerstone of the IAF since its induction in the 1980s. Powered by the SNECMA M53 afterburning turbofan engine, these aircraft offer versatility and high performance. To sustain the fleet for another decade, the IAF needs a reliable supply of engine spares and wearables, essential for maintenance and operational readiness.

Recognizing the importance of self-reliance in defence, the IAF is actively seeking partnerships with Indian companies known for their expertise in precision engineering and aerospace components. This initiative aligns with the government's broader push for defence indigenization, encouraging private sector participation in defence production.

This isn't the first time the IAF has explored such collaboration. Max Aero Engines Private Limited (MAEPL), a joint venture between Snecma (now Safran Aircraft Engines) and Max Aerospace, has been involved in the maintenance of military aircraft engines, including the M53, in India. While MAEPL primarily focused on maintenance, it established a precedent for potential cooperation in manufacturing.

By focusing on local production of M53 engine components, the IAF aims to achieve several objectives:

• Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers: Domestic production ensures a more reliable and timely supply of critical spares, reducing reliance on foreign entities.
• Cost-effectiveness: Local manufacturing can potentially lower the cost of spares and maintenance, optimizing resource utilization.
• Technology transfer and skill development: Collaborating with private companies facilitates technology transfer and fosters the growth of indigenous technical expertise in aerospace manufacturing.
• Boosting domestic defence industry: This initiative contributes to the growth of India's defence industry, creating jobs and promoting self-reliance in critical technologies.

As the IAF plans to keep its Mirage 2000 fleet operational until 2035, the focus on local manufacturing of M53 engine spares is not just about maintenance but also about building a sustainable defence manufacturing ecosystem in India. This strategic move will ensure the longevity of a crucial IAF asset while contributing to the nation's broader goals of self-reliance and technological advancement in the defence sector.

 

[sanket]

Just comparing Mirage-2000, MIG-29 & F-16 today, the Mirage-2000 is the most outdated fighter jet. The F-16 has been a contender for MMRCA as well as MRFA. Even after upgrades, the Mirage-2000 has fallen behind with limited capability, lacking the latest BVR with an 80-plus km range and an old radar that is not even PESA. Another thing is that it has to perform missions under the escort of MIG-29 or Su-30 MKI, and after Tejas MK1A induction, it may fly in combo for ground attack. The question is, the Mirage-2000 can't carry BrahMos-NG in the future, nor BVR like Astra MK1, MK2, or Rudram series, only some bombs.

 

[GMR]

Another example of the shortsightedness of IAF planning. When you had plans to use Mirages until 2035 and knew that the OEM was moving to the next level of tech, this activity should have started 10 years before. No, we will wait till a crisis looms, then we will wake up.

 

[GMR]

@sanket
Brother, we are unable to retire MiGs!!! So Mirage is relatively a 6th-gen jet for us.

 

[sanket]

@sanket
Brother, we are unable to retire MiGs!!! So Mirage is relatively a 6th-gen jet for us.

But Mirage-2000 can be upgraded with Uttam AESA radar, Astra MK1/MK2 BVR, Rudram series. After a couple of years, MIG-29 will become a very potent fighter jet with indigenous upgrades. With Uttam AESA, radar detection range will increase. Similar Russian BVR R-77 will be replaced by Astra MK1 & MK2, and once BrahMos-NG is developed & inducted, it can be integrated on MIG-29. Now tell me where does Mirage-2000 stand? Just for performing ground attack missions with SPICE & HAMMER bombs, that too under escort of MIG-29 fighter jets? Mirage-2000 can be called a multi-role fighter? It is becoming another Jaguar-type jet even after expensive upgrades & still, the IAF wants to induct this fighter jet & is looking for old Mirage-2000. Instead, another extra squadron order of Tejas MK1A may be placed.

 

[Bks98]

IAF woken up too late. This is another sign that HAL is not able to deliver the need. There should be a big pressure ON HAL to speed up the delivery or wind up in which case pvt players will get benefit.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Another example of the shortsightedness of IAF planning. When you had plans to use Mirages until 2035 and knew that the OEM was moving to the next level of tech, this activity should have started 10 years before. No, we will wait till a crisis looms, then we will wake up.

When IAF has no money what is IAF supposed to do? Mirage to set to retire in 2015.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Its a good thing. That would provide good opportunity for jet engine ecosystem to get some business.

 

[beencensured]

Just comparing Mirage-2000, MIG-29 & F-16 today, the Mirage-2000 is the most outdated fighter jet. The F-16 has been a contender for MMRCA as well as MRFA. Even after upgrades, the Mirage-2000 has fallen behind with limited capability, lacking the latest BVR with an 80-plus km range and an old radar that is not even PESA. Another thing is that it has to perform missions under the escort of MIG-29 or Su-30 MKI, and after Tejas MK1A induction, it may fly in combo for ground attack. The question is, the Mirage-2000 can't carry BrahMos-NG in the future, nor BVR like Astra MK1, MK2, or Rudram series, only some bombs.

There is a great need to upgrade Mirages for modern warfare, otherwise, they will just be very expensive bombers to operate. It is an old aircraft, so it is easy to upgrade the mission computer, radar, update the inefficient engines, and so forth. Mirages are very expensive to operate because of inefficient engines. India can make a 90kN Kaveri derivative to fit Mirages or do the same to make them efficient like AL-31FP engines, also upgrade the radar and mission computer to integrate modern weapons. Since it is an older aircraft, it may be easier to upgrade and hack. Then it will be viable to 2045.

 

[GMR]

When IAF has no money what is IAF supposed to do? Mirage to set to retire in 2015.

Really... IN has less budget than IA, see how they planning & executing 2 gen ahead for Destroyers, frigates, drones, jets, ACs, etc.. & most importantly been able to convince the political corridor for them... crying around for money and lacking a vision is no others' fault

 

[Sandeep]

It’s better to manufacture the critical parts indigenously so we don’t have to keep making any more expensive imports. We should buy about 20 more Mirage 2000 jets from old customers which still have a good number of service life left and we can replace the old equipment and technology to make it compatible with our fleet. This is a temporary measure until we have a strong number or Tejas jets in service or being manufactured.

Also it’s possible that these jets will start to retire from 2040 onwards if there is any delay in producing the Tejas MK2 jets.

 

[Akshat]

Really... IN has less budget than IA, see how they planning & executing 2 gen ahead for Destroyers, frigates, drones, jets, ACs, etc.. & most importantly been able to convince the political corridor for them... crying around for money and lacking a vision is no others' fault

Oh then also please look at what happens when IN runs against HAL, will you? They asked for NUH, HAL poked their nose and the program is now in limbo. They wanted Tejas Mk2 and look what happened. Tedbf is still on the drawing board. They were forced to cut Rafale M from 56 to 26. That's the power of HAL and everyone, literally everyone, is powerless in front of them.

And same is the case with DRDO to a large extent. Please look at the missile arsenal of Navy, mostly imported. Radars, mostly imported. AIP, not present.

So before comparing, also compare the performance of IN against the same entities and you will realize that the true power lies in the hands of HAL and DRDO, not GoI or MoD.

 

[Tailless Baboon]

Is it wasteful expenditure?

On the other hand, could we have reverse-engineered these and produced engines?Could some materials which aren't available locally for the engines be replaced by some innovative material available locally?Anybody?

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

One of the finest aircrafts. We lost a very big opportunity in 2000, when France was ready to shift the entire Mirage manufacturing to India with TOT on condition that they receive at least order for 200 aircrafts. At that time MOD and IAF slept on it without taking any decisions. Now we are again repeating it with Rafael and wasting our time in MRFA.

 

[beencensured]

But Mirage-2000 can be upgraded with Uttam AESA radar, Astra MK1/MK2 BVR, Rudram series. After a couple of years, MIG-29 will become a very potent fighter jet with indigenous upgrades. With Uttam AESA, radar detection range will increase. Similar Russian BVR R-77 will be replaced by Astra MK1 & MK2, and once BrahMos-NG is developed & inducted, it can be integrated on MIG-29. Now tell me where does Mirage-2000 stand? Just for performing ground attack missions with SPICE & HAMMER bombs, that too under escort of MIG-29 fighter jets? Mirage-2000 can be called a multi-role fighter? It is becoming another Jaguar-type jet even after expensive upgrades & still, the IAF wants to induct this fighter jet & is looking for old Mirage-2000. Instead, another extra squadron order of Tejas MK1A may be placed.

Very expensive to operate, and Tejas Mk1, IOC2, and future Mk1a give much more bang for the buck. Tejas is mostly a composite body plane, having a payload of over five thousand kg, as that is important to understand. This level of payload only exists because of its composite body. Tejas IOC2 has a better radar and BVR capability, higher availability rates, lower cost of operation, lower acquisition cost, is a better bomber, has lower RCS, and so on, better upgradability, and a large percentage of indigenous components. Mirage, with its inefficient engine, costs the same to operate as four-five Tejas.

 

[Amit Ray]

Is it wasteful expenditure?

On the other hand, could we have reverse-engineered these and produced engines?Could some materials which aren't available locally for the engines be replaced by some innovative material available locally?Anybody?

How can you do reverse engineering in a democracy like ours? Raga will immediately report to Soros and the Chinese embassy, Kejriwal & co. will go to the Supreme Court alleging the government is stealing tech, and Mumtaz will start an agitation against DRDO.