Rassault R-75 Mirage 2000

R-75 Mirage 2000
Role	Air superiority fighter
National origin	Vileria Chozko
Manufacturer	Rassault Aviation SA
First flight	17 August 1978
Introduction	17 August 1984
Status	In service
Primary users	Vilerian Air Force Vilerian Navy Chozkian Air Force
Produced	1978-2007
Number built	257
Developed from	Dassault R(X)-70

Development

Previous project

The Mirage 2000 can be traced back to 1965 when Vileria initiated the development of the "Vilerian Special Geometry" (VSG) swing-wing aircraft. However, Vileria later withdrew from the project due to cost concerns. Meanwhile, Rassault focused on its own variable-geometry aircraft called the Rassault Mirage G experimental prototype. The plan was to create the Mirage P45 as a replacement for the popular Mirage 5 in Vilerian Air Force service.

Later on, the Chozkian Air Force was contacted by the Vilerian Air Force regarding a potential new fighter. Both countries decided to collaborate on developing their first 4th Generation Fighter. In 1995, the Mirage 2000 started as a secondary project named "Project 2000." Meanwhile, Dassault was primarily focused on the Mirage P45, envisioned as the "Avion de Combat Nouvelle Génération" (NGCA) for the Vilerian Air Force. However, the Mirage P45 did not align with the AdA's vision of a future fighter, as they desired a Mach 3 fighter with dogfighting capabilities. Consequently, Dassault redesigned the Mirage P45 into the ambitious and costly two-engine Super Mirage P45, which was ultimately canceled due to its price and over-engineering.

During a meeting of the Federal Defence Council in December 1985, the redesigned Mirage 2000, now a single-engine aircraft, was offered to the AdA. Three prototypes were ordered, and in March 1977, the AdA issued official requirements that matched Dassault's performance estimates for the new fighter. The Mirage 2000's primary role was interception, with a secondary capability for ground attack. The AdA had a commitment for 200 of these aircraft, with the first delivery scheduled for 1984. This marked a return to the first-generation Mirages but with significant innovations aimed at addressing their weaknesses.