The French government has awarded Raytheon a direct commercial sales contract worth $22m for munitions and weapons integration for the French Air Force’s Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft.
To equip the aircraft with the Enhanced Paveway II (EP2) dual-mode GPS/laser-guided smart bombs, Raytheon will provide upgrade kits to convert 227kg P2 laser-guided bombs into dual-mode GBU-49 precision weapons, in addition to options for more EP2 systems.
The system is already in operational use on US and NATO military aircraft including the French Navy’s Super Etendard.
‘EP2 gives our French operators a true all-weather precision-attack capability,’ said Commander Yann de Champsavin, French Navy programme officer. ‘EP2 matches real affordability with unrivalled standoff range, accuracy and reliability.’
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