View source for Dassault Mirage 2000N/2000D

{{Short description|French nuclear and conventional strike aircraft}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = Mirage 2000N/D
 |image = File:Mirage 2000D (cropped).jpg
 |caption = A Mirage 2000D flying over [[RIAT]] in 2016
 |type = [[Multirole combat aircraft]]
 |national_origin= France
 |manufacturer = [[Dassault Aviation]]
 |designer = 
 |first_flight = 3 February 1986
 |introduction = 
 |retired = 2018 (2000N)
 |status = Active (2000D only)
 |primary_user = [[French Air and Space Force]]
 |more_users = 
 |produced = 
 |number_built = 161 (75 Mirage 2000N and 86 Mirage 2000D)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/avmir2k.html|title=The Dassault Mirage 2000 & 4000|work=Vectorsite|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514003113/http://www.vectorsite.net/avmir2k.html|archive-date=14 May 2011}}</ref>
 |developed_from = [[Mirage 2000]]
 |variants = 
}}

The '''Dassault Mirage 2000N''' is a variant of the [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]] designed for nuclear strike. It formed the core of the French air-based [[Strategic nuclear weapon|strategic nuclear]] [[Deterrence theory|deterrent]]. The '''Mirage 2000D''' is its conventional attack counterpart.

==Development==

The Mirage 2000N was designed to French requirements for an aircraft to replace the older [[Dassault Mirage IVP|Mirage IVP]]. Dassault received a contract to build two prototypes. The aircraft first flew on 3 February 1986. Seventy four were built up to 1993. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|title=20 years for the Mirage 2000D|work=Dassault Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315044309/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref>

The Mirage 2000N is based on the '''Mirage 2000B''' two-seat trainer, but features considerable changes. The airframe was strengthened for low-level flight and fitted with an Antilope 5 radar, which is used for terrain following, navigation and ground mapping, and which can follow terrain at {{convert|1112|km/h|abbr=on}}. Other avionic features are twin [[Inertial navigation system|INS]] units and moving map displays for both the pilot and weapon systems officer. The Mirage 2000N can carry one [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP]] medium-range nuclear missile, and can also carry two [[R550 Magic|MATRA Magic]] [[Air-to-air missile|AAMs]] for self-defence. Other protection features include the Sabre [[Radar jamming and deception|jamming]] system and the Spirale [[Chaff (countermeasure)|chaff]] system. Because the extra seat decreases range, a pair of drop tanks are carried.  Since the Mirage 2000N's standard weapon was the ASMP, which was carried on the centerline pylon, this meant that it could not carry a centerline tank, but a distinctive big 2,000 litre (530 US gallon) underwing drop tank with a bulbous nose was developed to more than compensate. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|title=20 years for the Mirage 2000D|work=Dassault Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315044309/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref>

The first batch of 30 aircraft for the French Air Force had a sole nuclear capability, and these were designated '''Mirage 2000N-K1'''. These did not have the Spirale chaff system, and carried a pair of [[AN-52 bomb|AN.52]] free-fall [[nuclear bombs]] before the ASMP was ready. The later batch of 44 aircraft were designated '''Mirage 2000N-K2'''. These had both a nuclear and conventional capability, and a full defensive fit. The K1 aircraft now have a limited conventional attack capability. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|title=20 years for the Mirage 2000D|work=Dassault Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315044309/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref>

Dassault has also developed the '''Mirage 2000D''', which is a development of the Mirage 2000N designed for long-range precision strikes with conventional weapons. This aircraft is exactly the same as the Mirage 2000N, but introduces support for conventional attack missiles such as the [[MBDA Apache|Apache]] and [[Storm Shadow|Scalp]] missiles, as well as the [[Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|AASM]] weapons. The first aircraft, converted from the Mirage 2000N prototype, flew on 19 February 1991, and the French Air Force ordered a total of 86 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|title=20 years for the Mirage 2000D|work=Dassault Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315044309/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref>

Like the Mirage 2000N, the Mirage 2000D had variants. The '''Mirage 2000D-R1''' does not have the full weapons capability of the '''Mirage 2000D-R2''', which features the Apache and Scalp missiles, the [[ATLIS II]] laser designation system, and the Samir self-protection fit. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|title=20 years for the Mirage 2000D|work=Dassault Aviation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315044309/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/headlines/20-years-for-the-mirage-2000d.html?L=1|archive-date=15 March 2011}}</ref>

==Operational history==

===Operation Deny Flight and Deliberate Force===
[[File:U.S 109th Airlift Squadron C-130 H3 MOD 45162026.jpg|thumb|2000D 603 of [[Escadron de Chasse 3/3 Ardennes|3/3 "Ardennes"]] at Kandahar, 2010]]
[[File:Mirage 2000D accidenté en Afghanistan (2).jpg|thumb|An M88 Recovery Vehicle hoists the body of a crashed French Mirage 2000D aircraft of [[Nancy – Ochey Air Base]] during a recovery mission on 27 May 2011. The crash occurred in the Bakwa district of Regional Command West in Afghanistan.]]

French Mirage 2000s were prominent participants in UN and [[NATO]] air operations over the [[former Yugoslavia]]. On 30 August 1995 one Mirage 2000N-K2 was shot down over Bosnia by a MANPADS heat-seeking [[9K38 Igla]] missile fired by air defence units of [[Army of Republika Srpska]] during operation [[Deliberate Force]], prompting efforts to obtain improved defensive systems.<ref>{{cite web |author=ROGER COHENPublished: 11 December 1995 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/11/world/french-deadline-passes-with-no-word-from-serbs-on-pilots.html |title=French Deadline Passes With No Word From Serbs on Pilots – New York Times |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 December 1995 |access-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512175605/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/11/world/french-deadline-passes-with-no-word-from-serbs-on-pilots.html |archive-date=12 May 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Operation Enduring Freedom and ISAF===
AdA Mirage 2000Ds served in the intervention in Afghanistan in 2001–2002, operating in close conjunction with international forces and performing precision attacks with [[Laser-guided bomb|LGBs]].
The French Air Force deployed the Mirage 2000D to [[Manas Air Base]] in Kyrgyzstan from 2002 to 2004 to support coalition forces in Afghanistan. Then from 2004 to 2007, they stayed at [[Dushanbe]], Tajikistan.
In summer 2007, after the [[Rafale]] fighters have been removed from the theater of operations, 3 French Mirage 2000s were deployed to Afghanistan in support of NATO troops.
To shorten the response time to support [[NATO]] [[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]] troops in southern Afghanistan, the aircraft moved to [[Kandahar International Airport]]. Three [[Rafale]] F2 and three Mirage 2000Ds operate from Kandahar in 2008.<ref>French Ministry of Defence, [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/ema_uk/overseas/afghanistan/breaking_news/08_02_12_afghanistan_rafale_carry_out_their_first_mission Rafales carry out their first mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013020816/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/ema_uk/overseas/afghanistan/breaking_news/08_02_12_afghanistan_rafale_carry_out_their_first_mission |date=13 October 2008 }}, February 2008</ref>
On 24 May 2011, a French Air Force Mirage 2000D crashed 100 kilometers west of Farah. Both crew members successfully ejected and were recovered.<ref name="defensenews1">{{cite news|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110524/DEFSECT01/105240315/French-Fighter-Jet-Crashes-in-Afghanistan |title=French Fighter Jet Crashes in Afghanistan |work=Defense News |date=24 May 2011 |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630164856/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110524/DEFSECT01/105240315/French-Fighter-Jet-Crashes-in-Afghanistan |archive-date=30 June 2012  }}</ref>

===Opération Harmattan and Unified Protector===
French Air Force Mirage 2000D were committed since the beginning to the enforcement of the Libyan no-fly-zone that was approved by the UN in March 2011.
The Mirage 2000Ds were among the first strikers: on 19 March 2011, a mixed French formation of Mirage 2000s and Rafales hit a Libyan army column that was heading for Benghazi with several vehicles destroyed.
The Mirage 2000D remained one of the most used striker for the next months when [[Opération Harmattan]] was succeeded by the UN led [[Operation Unified Protector]].
On 20 October 2011, a Mirage 2000D dropped the last NATO munitions of the war, when a mixed formation of a French Air Force Mirage 2000D and a Mirage F1CR was vectored to strike an armed convoy which was trying to break through the rebels' lines at Sirte. The Mirage 2000D dropped its two laser guided GBU-12 bombs hitting and stopping Gaddafi's convoy, resulting in [[Death of Muammar Gaddafi|his capture and death]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182 |title=How Gaddafi's convoy was stopped by U.S. drone and French Air force fighter aircraft Mirage 2000 2210111 |publisher=Airrecognition.com |date=22 October 2011 |access-date=18 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204084537/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=182 |archive-date=4 February 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Operation Serval and Operation Barkhane===
French forces became actively involved in the [[Northern Mali conflict (2012–present)]] starting from 11 January 2013 with [[Operation Serval]].
The six Mirage 2000Ds based in N'Djamena, Chad for the long lasting [[Opération Épervier|French military presence in that country]], alongside the two Mirage F.1CR based there, were among the first forces committed to the conflict, bombing the Islamic militants’ bases and forces in Northern Mali.
The Mirages were flying with a similar configuration to the one used over Libya nearly two years before, with two 500&nbsp;lbs GBU-12 (laser) or GBU-49 (GPS and laser) guided bombs on the centerline pylon, and two external fuel tanks on the inboard wing pylons.

Starting from 17 January 2013, three of the Mirages were relocated in Bamako, Mali,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3zoSWL1HQo |title=Opération Serval – 17 janvier 2013. Mise en place de 3 Mirage 2000D à Bamako |publisher=YouTube |date=19 January 2013 |access-date=6 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310061700/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3zoSWL1HQo |archive-date=10 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> preceded by the two simpler Mirage F.1CR which started operating from Bamako few days before.<ref>{{cite news |author=Canada |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/the-mali-maelstrom-conflict-in-west-africa/article7379125/ |title=The Mali maelstrom: conflict in West Africa |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |date=15 January 2013 |access-date=26 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062321/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/the-mali-maelstrom-conflict-in-west-africa/article7379125/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Locally deployed Mirage 2000D/N French Air and Space Force aircraft keep supporting the successor [[Operation Barkhane]].

===Opération Chammal===
Starting on 19 September 2014, the French Air Force started [[Opération Chammal|striking]] the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] as part of an international effort against the terrorist organization. The strike force was initially composed of [[Dassault Rafale]] jets based in the Emirates. Later, the Rafales were sided by six Mirage 2000D, based in Jordan, starting from November 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/3-french-mirage-jet-fighters-deployed-in-jordan/ |title=3 French Mirage jet fighters deployed in Jordan |website=[[The Times of Israel]] |access-date=1 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401234857/http://www.timesofisrael.com/3-french-mirage-jet-fighters-deployed-in-jordan/ |archive-date=1 April 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Initially the strikes were limited to targets located in Iraq. Starting from September 2015, the strikes were extended over Syria as well.

On 21 August 2016, a strike group composed of 4 Rafales and 4 Mirage 2000D launched a multiple [[Storm Shadow|SCALP-EG cruise missile]] attack against Islamic State weapon storage site, firing 12 missiles. The Rafales were armed with two cruise missiles each, while the Mirages were armed with one cruise missile each.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/63240/france-carries-out-large-scalp-eg-attack-on-targets-in-syria |title=France carries out large SCALP-EG attack on targets in Syria &#124; IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=2016-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826070443/http://www.janes.com/article/63240/france-carries-out-large-scalp-eg-attack-on-targets-in-syria |archive-date=26 August 2016  }}</ref>

==Variants==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2012}}

===Mirage 2000N===
[[File:Dassault Mirage 2000N silhouette showing external stores configuration.png|thumb|right]]

The Mirage 2000N was the [[nuclear warfare|nuclear strike]] variant which was intended to carry the Aerospatiale Air-Sol Moyenne Portee (ASMP) nuclear stand-off missile. Initial flight tests of two prototypes began on 3 February 1983, and the Mirage 2000N entered operational service in 1988. A total of 75 were built.<ref name="Newdick2015">{{cite book|author=Thomas Newdick|title=The World's Greatest Military Aircraft: An Illustrated History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2Pg_CwAAQBAJ&pg=PT320|date=22 December 2015|publisher=Amber Books Ltd|isbn=978-1-78274-277-7|pages=320–}}</ref> The fighter had strengthened wings for low-altitude operations, as well as low-level precision navigation/attack systems, built around the Dassault/Thales Antilope 5 radar, which was designed for the strike role and featured a terrain-avoidance capability.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

The [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP]] missile is 5.38 meters long with a [[kerosene]]-powered [[ramjet]] that allows it to cruise at [[Mach number|Mach]] 3 to a maximum range of 300&nbsp;km carrying a [[nuclear warhead]] with a yield of 300&nbsp;kt.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

====Upgrades====
* The existing kit was enhanced to provide an [[electronic intelligence]] (ELINT) capability, allowing the aircraft to record data on adversary emitters for post-flight intelligence analysis.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* A SAT Samir "Detecteur de Depart Missile (DDM)" missile-warning system was also added, being attached to the back of the Magic AAM pylons.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* Future upgrades include the addition of a Pod Reco NG (''Pod de Reconnaissance Nouvelle Generation'') to provide digital reconnaissance capabilities, with both day and night imagers, a digital data recorder system, and a [[datalink]] to provide real-time relay of imagery to battlefield commanders. It is being developed by Thales for service introduction in 2006.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

Aircraft with the updated [[countermeasure]]s system and capable of carrying both the ASMP-A missile and the Pod Reco NG will be redesignated "Mirage 2000N-K3".

As it is forbidden to export them, they are being dismantled for parts with some being donated to French museums. 3 remain with the [[Direction générale de l'armement|DGA]] for testing.

Currently, four aircraft are preserved: 305-116-CS,<ref>https://www.airhistory.net/photo/699050/305</ref> 336-116-BI,<ref>https://www.airhistory.net/photo/470221/336</ref> 337-116-BF,<ref>https://www.airhistory.net/photo/705757/337</ref> and 349-116-BM,<ref>https://www.airhistory.net/photo/682200/349</ref> all of which are in good condition with no missing parts.

===Mirage 2000D===
[[File:Dassault Mirage 2000D silhouette showing external stores configuration.png|thumb|right]]

Delays in the Dassault Rafale fourth-generation fighter program led to a development program for an updated Mirage 2000N dedicated to conventional attack, originally designated Mirage 2000N cousin. It was to complement SEPECAT Jaguar daylight strike fighters by providing a night/bad weather attack capability.

Formal development began in 1988. The designation was changed to Mirage 2000D in 1990, with the "D" standing for "Diversifie/Multirole". Initial flight of the Mirage 2000D prototype, a modified Mirage 2000N prototype, was on 19 February 1991. That led to first flight of a production aircraft 31 March 1993 and introduction to service in April 1995. 86 Mirage 2000Ds were built in all to last delivery in 2001.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

The Mirage 2000D featured:{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* An NVG-compatible cockpit, with improved "hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS)" controls and a partial "glass cockpit" arrangement. The pilot obtained a second display, and the back-seater received two more for a total of three in the rear.
* A modernized ULISS 52P navigation system with Global Positioning System (GPS) capability,
* An improved Antilope 50 terrain-following system.
* An updated "ICMS 2" countermeasures system, with SERVAL RWR, Chameleon jammer, and Spirale dispensers.

Full-specification Mirage 2000D-R1 aircraft could carry stores such as:
* All major dumb munitions, such as iron bombs, Belouga cluster bombs, Durandal runway breaker bombs, BAP 100 and BAP 120 clusters, Matra 68 millimeter rocket pods, and cannon pods.
* Laser-guided weapons such as the AS-30L ASM or French and US LGBs, with the munitions directed by an ATLIS II or improved optical-infrared PDLCT and high-resolution PDLCTS targeting pods, attached to a pylon under the right air intake. The navigator/WSO in the back seat handled laser targeting while the pilot in the front flew the aircraft. Carriage of the next-generation Damocles pod is now under consideration.
* The [[ARMAT]] antiradar missile, though this is rarely carried.

====Upgrades====

The Mirage 2000D remains in service, with various improvements such as the MICA IR. A general upgrade designated Mirage 2000D-R2 machine was delivered from 2001. A second upgrade program was begun in 2009, with better support for the strike role and improvement of air-to-air capabilities. This provided a multirole capability that compensated for the eventual retirement of the Mirage 2000Cs.

55 aircraft are undergoing a mid-life upgrade known as Mirage 2000D RMV (Rénovation Mi-Vie) until 2024 with the objective of keeping them in service until well after 2030.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/08/02/faf-mir2000-test-djibouti/|title = French Air Force Completes Upgraded Mirage 2000D Test Campaign in Djibouti|date = 2 August 2021}}</ref> This involves updating the [[avionics]], providing a CC422 [[gun pod]], replacing the [[Matra R550 Magic|Magic]] missiles by [[MICA (missile)|MICA]], and integrating the [[Paveway|GBU-48]] and [[Paveway|GBU-50]], at a total cost of 532.5 million euro.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.senat.fr/rap/a18-149-8/a18-149-811.html|title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2019 : Défense : Équipement des forces}}</ref>

A pair of Mirage 2000D RMV was [https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2021/09/hot-weather-tests-for-french-mirage-2000d-rmv-in-djibouti deployed in early September 2021 to Djibouti] to evaluate their performance in hot-weather climatic conditions. The two Mirage 2000D RMV stayed for 20 days at the Base Aérienne (Air Base) 188 Djibouti with the Escadron de Chasse et d’Expérimentation (Fighter and Experimental Squadron) 1/30 “Côte d’Argent”.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kazim|first=Abdul|date=7 September 2021|title=Hot-weather tests for French Mirage 2000D RMV in Djibouti|url=https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2021/09/hot-weather-tests-for-french-mirage-2000d-rmv-in-djibouti|url-status=live|website=Military Africa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907075426/https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2021/09/hot-weather-tests-for-french-mirage-2000d-rmv-in-djibouti |archive-date=7 September 2021 }}</ref>

==Operators==
; {{Flag|France}}
* [[French Air and Space Force]] (''Armée de l'air et de l'espace'')
==Notable accidents and incidents==
On 1 March 2011 one Mirage 2000N crashed in Creuse region of central France near the village of Saint-Oradoux-pres-Crocq during a night flight. Both pilots were killed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcesreview.com/news-article/2011/03/2/124/Mirage-2000N-down-in-France.html |title=Mirage 2000N down in France |publisher=Airforcesreview.com |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=30 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117133557/http://www.airforcesreview.com/news-article/2011/03/2/124/Mirage-2000N-down-in-France.html |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

On 24 May 2011 one Mirage 2000D crashed 100 kilometers west of Farah, Afghanistan. Both crew members successfully ejected and were recovered.<ref name="defensenews1"/>

On 14 January 2012 during joint training exercise "Green Shield" simulating an air combat over Saudi Arabia, a French Mirage 2000D collided with a Saudi F-15S. Both aircraft were destroyed, while the three pilots ejected safely.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=141893 |title=ASN Aircraft accident 14-JAN-2012 Dassault Mirage 2000D 619/188-IM |publisher=Aviation-safety.net |access-date=19 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528040942/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=141893 |archive-date=28 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 9 June 2014, in the evening, a French Air Force Mirage 2000D crashed halfway between Gao in northern Mali and the Niger capital Niamey due to a technical issue while part of [[Operation Serval]]. Both pilots ejected safely and were recovered.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fly-fighter-jet.com/french-mirage-2000d-crashes-in-niger/ |title=French Mirage 2000D crashes in Niger &#124; Fly Fighter Jet &#124; Fly jet fighter &#124; Jet fighter ride |access-date=5 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083228/http://www.fly-fighter-jet.com/french-mirage-2000d-crashes-in-niger/ |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/134296-french-mirage-fighter-jet-crashes-in-niger/print |title=Print: French Mirage Fighter Jet Crashes in Niger — Naharnet |access-date=5 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083448/http://www.naharnet.com/stories/134296-french-mirage-fighter-jet-crashes-in-niger/print |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the morning of 28 September 2017, a French Air Force Mirage 2000N caught fire and crashed just after take-off from the airport of the Chadian capital of Ndjamena while part of [[Operation Barkhane]]. The plane crashed into the airport wall at 7:55, before catching fire while preparing to take off from the runway on its way to France. The two pilots ejected from the aircraft in time; one was slightly injured.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://defpost.com/french-air-force-mirage-2000n-fighter-crashes-chad/ |title=French Air Force Mirage 2000N fighter crashes in Chad - DefPost |access-date=5 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083042/https://defpost.com/french-air-force-mirage-2000n-fighter-crashes-chad/ |archive-date=6 March 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 18 April 2018 the warhead of an inert bomb was accidentally dropped onto the roof of a car factory in Loiretaine, [[Nogent-sur-Vernisson]], France as a pair of French Air Force Mirage 2000D fighters flew over the factory on their way to a training exercise at the [[Suippes]] training ground. Two people were injured, and the factory was evacuated until it was determined the warhead was not dangerous. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Escuer |first1=Etienne |last2=Guéroult |first2=François |last3=Dupuy |first3=Christophe |title=Loiret : un avion de chasse perd des munitions inertes au dessus d'une entreprise, deux blessés |url=https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/faits-divers-justice/nogent-sur-vernisson-un-avion-de-chasse-perd-des-munitions-inertes-au-dessus-d-une-entreprise-deux-1523371548 |website=France Bleu |publisher=France Bleu |access-date=25 April 2024}}</ref>

On 9 January 2019, shortly before noon, a French Air Force Mirage 2000D crashed as it flew over the Jura mountains in the east of France.  Another jet which was on the same patrol had safely returned to Nancy-Ochey air base.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46808778 |title=Search for crew after Mirage fighter jet crashes in eastern France |work=BBC News |date=9 January 2019 |access-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110122058/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46808778 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Both pilots were killed in the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/2edf8565bcae4f8d87dba25cb7fbaf20 |title=French air force says 2 on missing fighter jet are dead |website=[[Associated Press]] |date=10 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110234653/https://apnews.com/2edf8565bcae4f8d87dba25cb7fbaf20 |archive-date=10 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Specifications (Mirage 2000D/N)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref={{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
|prime units?=met
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|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[SNECMA M53-P2]]
|eng1 type=afterburning turbofan engine
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|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=95.1
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=1728
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=1,4
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=1480
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=3340
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=18000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=285
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=410
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
*'''Propulsive efficiency:''' 0.91 (non dimensional)

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->

|hardpoints= 4× under-wing, 4× under fuselage, 1× centerline
|hardpoint rockets=<br>
*** Up to 4× Matra SNEB 68-mm 18-round rocket pods on the four underwing hardpoints
|hardpoint missiles=<br>
*** '''[[Air-to-air missile]]s:'''
**** Up to 4× [[R550 Magic]] [[air-to-air missile]]s for self-defence, normally 2 on the outboard underwing pylons
**** Up to 6× [[MICA (missile)|MICA]] [[air-to-air missiles]] for self-defence, normally 2 on the outboard underwing  pylons
*** '''[[Air-to-surface missile]]s:''' – Mirage 2000N
**** 1× [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP]] medium-range nuclear missile on the centerline pylon
*** '''[[Air-to-surface missile]]s:''' – Mirage 2000D
**** 1× [[Apache (missile)|Apache]] anti-runway cruise missile on the centerline pylon
**** 1× [[SCALP EG]] air-launched cruise missile on the centerline pylon
**** 2× [[AS-30L]] laser-guided missiles on the inboard underwing  pylons
|hardpoint bombs=<br>
*** [[Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|AASM]] 125, 250, 1000 Kg laser, ISN/GPS, IIR guided bombs. The lighter versions are carried in pairs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints and one under each of the four fuselage hardpoints
*** up to 10× [[GBU-12]] 227 Kg laser-guided bombs or [[GBU-49]] 227 Kg INS/GPS and laser guided bombs, in pairs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints and one under each of the four fuselage hardpoints
*** up to 3× [[GBU-16]] 454 Kg laser-guided bombs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints
*** up to 3× [[GBU-10]] 907 Kg laser-guided bombs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints
*** up to 3× [[GBU-24]] 907 Kg laser-guided bombs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints
*** up to 3× [[Bombe Guidée Laser|BGL-400]] 400 Kg laser-guided bombs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints
*** up to 3× [[Bombe Guidée Laser|BGL-1000]] 1000 Kg laser-guided bombs on the centerline and inboard wing hardpoints
|hardpoint other=<br>
*** [[ATLIS II]] laser/electro-optical targeting pod on the front-right fuselage hardpoint
*** [[PDLCT]] laser/electro-optical targeting pod on the front-right fuselage hardpoint
*** [[Damocles (targeting pod)|Damoclès]] laser targeting pod on the front-right fuselage hardpoint
*** 1× centerline mounted 345-gallon [[drop tank]] 2x either 375, 440 or 530 gallon tanks for ferry flight/extended range/loitering time
*** up to 2× 30 mm CC630 gun pods with 600 rounds per pod, one on each inboard wing hardpoint
|avionics=
* Twin [[inertial navigation system]]
* Antilope 5 terrain-following radar
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Dassault Mirage 2000]]
* [[Dassault Mirage 4000]]
|similar aircraft=
}}

===Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era===
* [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle]]
* [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |last1=Carbonel |first1=Jean-Christophe |title=French Secret Projects |date=2016 |publisher=Crecy Publishing |location=Manchester, UK|volume=1: Post War Fighters |isbn=978-1-91080-900-6}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mirage 2000D}}
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mirage-2000.htm GlobalSecurity.org information on Mirage family ]

{{Dassault Mirage family}}
{{Dassault aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dassault Mirage 2000N 2000D}}
[[Category:Dassault aircraft|Mirage 2000N]]
[[Category:1980s French attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Tailless delta-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1986]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]