The search for a Sabre replacement began in the 1950s. When an evaluation team visited Europe and North America in1960, the French Dassault Mirage III was selected over the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. The Mirage IIIO was also built under license in Australia using the SNECMA Atar 9C engine. The first two aircraft were built in France, with the first flying on 14 March 1963. The Australian Government Aircraft Factory and Commonwealth Aircraft went on to complete all 100 Mirage 11O's by 1967. These were followed by 16 two-seat trainers IIID, A3-101 to A3-116 by 1974. No 2OCU at Williamtown began receiving deliveries in 1964. No 75 Sqn became the first operational unit in 1965 followed by No 76 Sqn in 1966. In 1967 No 75 Sqn deployed to Malaysia to replace No 3 Sqn. After refitting with Mirages 3 Sqn returned to Butterworth in 1969. No 77 Sqn re-equipped and became the fourth RAAF Mirage squadron. With defence cuts under the Whitlam Government, No 76 Sqn was disbanded in August 1973. The remaining three squadrons continued operating in Williamtown and Butterworth. Basing of aircraft extended to Darwin in 1983 when No 75 Sqn relocated from Butterworth. In March 1986 No 79 Sqn reformed at Butterworth from No 3 Sqn, as the latter converted to the Hornet. No 79 Sqn operated the Mirage until 1988, leaving No 75 Sqn at Darwin and ARDU. The Mirage was finally withdrawn from Australian service in 1988, and 50 surviving were sold to Pakistan in 1990. The Mirage saw longer service than any other RAAF fighter. Over forty aircraft were lost in accidents, but those who flew it held the type in high regard.

General characteristics

Performance

Armament