Both pilots were successfully ejected and rescued in health before crash. The incident highlights the role of Mirage v Rose in Pakistan’s air defense and the effectiveness of its safety system.
Mirage v Rose is an upgraded version of the French Mirage 5, a fighter jet serving the Pakistani Air Force since the 1970s. The retrofit of the Strike Element (Rose) program has enhanced avionics and radar, improving accuracy and combat capabilities. Despite its age, it remains an important part of the PAF’s fleet.
Originally developed by the French Dassault Airlines, Mirage aircraft have been an important part of the PAF’s fleet since its introduction in the late 1960s. The PAF operates both the Mirage III and the Mirage 5 variant. It undergoes a major upgrade under Project Rose (a Strike Element Modification) to modernize the Avionics, Radar system and weapons. These upgrades have increased the aircraft’s operational lifespan and allowed them to perform professional tactical roles.
The Mirage III acts as a multi-roll fighter, while the Mirage 5 is optimized for ground attacks and reconnaissance missions. Despite their age, these aircraft remain cost-effective components of the PAF’s air fleet, but are gradually being replaced by new platforms like the JF-17 Thunder.
A PAF spokesman confirmed that the investigation committee was ordered to investigate the cause of the crash. The incident underscores the challenge of maintaining aging aircraft despite modernization efforts.
MNA/