After a three-year suspension, France has agreed to the transfer of 30 Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Morocco. This decision, according to North African sources, came after considerable hesitation by the Emmanuel Macron administration, which initially sought to repurchase the aircraft to supply Ukraine. However, their request was denied, leading to the resurgence of the issue surrounding these Mirage 2000s.
The transfer of the 30 aircraft required approval from Paris, as per the initial sales contract between Abu Dhabi and Paris. The contract prohibits the transfer of these aircraft to a third party without France’s consent. The Mirage 2000-9 aircraft, specifically manufactured for the UAE Air Force, were deemed essential for Morocco to strengthen its air force amid regional tensions.
The Mirage 2000-9 is an advanced version of the renowned Mirage 2000 fighter jet series, developed by French company Dassault Aviation. Designed to meet the UAE Air Force’s requirements, this variant boasts significant operational improvements and cutting-edge onboard technologies. Equipped with modern avionics systems, enhanced detection capabilities, and the ability to carry a wide range of munitions, the Mirage 2000-9 excels in air superiority missions and precision ground attacks.
Capable of carrying a maximum payload of 6,300 kilograms across nine attachment points, the Mirage 2000 can transport various armaments, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, guided or conventional bombs, and a 30mm DEFA internal cannon.
During a recent meeting between the foreign ministers of France and the UAE, the French approval of the “Mirage 2000-9” aircraft agreement was discussed. Paris finally agreed to the transfer after the UAE insisted on completing the delivery of these aircraft to Morocco.
French reluctance stemmed from their desire to acquire 40 Emirati Mirage 2000-9 aircraft for delivery to Ukraine to support its war against Russia. However, their request was denied, leading to the ongoing discussion surrounding the transfer of these aircraft.
