View source for Dassault Mirage III

{{Short description|French supersonic fighter/interceptor aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Mirage III
| image = File:Two Mirage III of the Royal Australian Air Force 1.JPEG
| image_caption = Two Mirage III of the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (a Mirage IIID twin-seater in front of a Mirage III O single-seater)
| aircraft_type = [[Interceptor aircraft]]
| national_origin = France
| manufacturer = [[Dassault Aviation]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 17 November 1956
| introduction = 1961
| retired = 
| status = In service with the [[Pakistan Air Force]]
| primary_user = [[French Air Force]] (historical)<!--Limit one (1) primary user.-->
| more_users = [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (historical)<br /> [[Pakistan Air Force]] <br />[[Israeli Air Force]] (historical)<!-- Limited to THREE (3) "more users" here (4 total users). -->
| produced = 
| number_built = 1422
| variants = [[Dassault Mirage IIIV]] <br />[[Dassault Mirage 5]] <br />[[Atlas Cheetah]]
}}

The '''Dassault Mirage III''' ({{IPA|fr|miʁaʒ}}) is a family of single/dual-seat, single-engine, [[fighter aircraft]] developed and manufactured by French aircraft company [[Dassault Aviation]]. It was the first Western European combat aircraft to exceed [[Mach number|Mach 2]] in horizontal flight,<ref name="Mirage III">[https://web.archive.org/web/20151218081714/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fr/passion/avions/dassault-militaires/mirage-iii/?xtmc=mirage-iii&xtrc=0%20Mirage%20III "Mirage III."] ''Dassault Aviation'', 18 December 2015.</ref> which it achieved on 24 October 1958.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Dildy|first1=Douglas C|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DTg1DwAAQBAJ&q=24+october+1958+mirage+iii&pg=PA12|title=Sea Harrier FRS 1 vs Mirage III/Dagger: South Atlantic 1982|last2=Calcaterra|first2=Pablo|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|date=2017-09-21|page=12|isbn=9781472818904}}</ref>

In 1952, the French government issued its specification, calling for a [[light fighter|lightweight]], all-weather [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]]. Amongst the respondents were Dassault with their design, initially known as the Mirage I. Following favourable flight testing held over the course of 1954, in which speeds of up to Mach 1.6 were attained, it was decided that a larger follow-on aircraft would be required to bear the necessary equipment and payloads. An enlarged Mirage II proposal was considered, as well as MD 610 Cavalier (3 versions),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationsmilitaires.net/v2/base/view/Model/1998.html |title=AviationsMilitaires.net — Dassault MD-610 Cavalier |access-date=10 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211022724/https://www.aviationsmilitaires.net/v2/base/view/Model/1998.html |archive-date=11 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> but was discarded in favour of a further-developed design, powered by the newly developed [[Snecma Atar]] afterburning [[turbojet]] engine, designated as the Mirage III. In October 1960, the first major production model, designated as the Mirage IIIC, performed its [[maiden flight]]. Initial operational deliveries of this model commenced in July 1961; a total of 95 Mirage IIICs were obtained by the [[French Air Force]] (''Armée de l'Air'', AdA). The Mirage IIIC was rapidly followed by numerous other variants.

The Mirage III was produced in large numbers for both the French Air Force and a wide number of export customers. Prominent overseas operators of the fighter included [[Argentina]], [[Australia]], [[South Africa]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Israel]], as well as a number of [[Non-Aligned Movement|non-aligned]] nations. Often considered to be a [[Second-generation jet fighter|second-generation]] fighter aircraft, the Mirage III experienced a lengthy service life with several of these operators; for some time, the type remained a fairly maneuverable aircraft and an effective opponent when engaged in close-range [[dogfight]]ing.<ref name="Duchateau">Duchateau, Philippe & Huertas, Salvador Mafe. ''Mirage! Dassault's Mach 2 Warriors''. Osprey Publishing, 1990. {{ISBN|0-85045-953-2}}. pp. 1–7.</ref> During its service with the French Air Force, the Mirage III was normally armed with assorted [[air-to-ground weaponry|air-to-ground ordnance]] or [[R.550 Magic]] [[air-to-air missile]]s. Its design proved to be relatively versatile, allowing the fighter model to be readily adapted to serve in a variety of roles, including [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]], [[reconnaissance]] and [[ground-attack]] versions, along with several more extensive derivatives of the aircraft, including the [[Dassault Mirage 5]], [[Dassault Mirage IIIV]] and [[Atlas Cheetah]].<ref name="The Hamlyn Guide to Military Aircraft Markings">Wheeler 1992, p. 117.</ref> Some operators have undertaken extensive modification and upgrade programmes, such as [[Project ROSE]] of the [[Pakistan Air Force]].

The Mirage III has been used in active combat roles in multiple conflicts by a number of operators. The [[Israeli Air Force]] was perhaps the most prolific operator of the fighter outside of France itself; Israel deployed their Mirage IIIs in both the [[Six-Day War]], where it was used as both an [[Air superiority fighter|air superiority]] and [[strike aircraft]], and the [[Yom Kippur War]], during which it was used exclusively in air-to-air combat in conjunction with the [[IAI Nesher]], an Israeli-built derivative of the Mirage 5. [[List of aces of aces|Ace of aces]] [[Giora Epstein]] achieved all of his kills flying either the Mirage III or the Nesher. During the [[South African Border War]], the Mirage III formed the bulk of the [[South African Air Force]]'s fleet, comprising a cluster of Mirage IIICZ interceptors, Mirage IIIEZ fighter-bombers and Mirage IIIRZ reconnaissance fighters; following the introduction of the newer [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1]], the type was dedicated to secondary roles in the conflict, such as daytime interception, base security, reconnaissance and training. The [[Argentine Air Force]] used the Mirage IIIEA during the [[Falklands War]], but their lack of an [[aerial refueling]] capability limited the aircraft's usefulness in the conflict. Even using drop tanks, the Mirages only had an endurance of five minutes within the combat area around the British fleet.

==Development==

===Origins===
The Mirage III family has its origins within a series of studies conducted by the [[Ministry of the Armed Forces (France)|French Defence Ministry]] which had commenced in 1952. At the time, several nations had taken an interest in the prospects of a [[light fighter]], which had been motivated by combat experiences acquired during the [[Korean War]], specifically the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-built [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]] [[jet propulsion|jet-propelled]] [[fighter aircraft]] which had drawn considerable attention internationally.<ref name = "prof 173"/> Western nations were keen to explore the performance of a relatively uncomplicated and heavily armed jet-powered [[swept wing]] fighter, inspired by the rapid advances in aircraft capabilities that had been made by the Soviet Union. France was one of the quickest governments of several nations, including the [[United Kingdom]] (resulting in the [[Folland Gnat]]), the [[United States]] (leading to the [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]]), and [[Italy]] (which became the [[Fiat G.91]]), to embark on encouraging the development of such an aircraft.<ref name = "prof 173">Brindley 1971, p. 173.</ref>

[[File:Dassault Mirage I in flight c1956.jpg|thumb|left|The tailless 1955 Mystère Delta delta-wing prototype with the very large vertical stabilizer and no horizontal stabilizer and no flaps]]

In 1952, the French government issued its specification, calling for a lightweight, all-weather [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]], capable of climbing to {{convert|18000|m|ft|sp=us|-2}} in 6 minutes along with the ability to reach [[Mach number|Mach]] 1.3 in level flight.<ref name="Mirage III"/><ref name = "prof 173"/> Three separate French manufacturers decided to respond to the specification, these being [[Dassault Aviation]], [[SNCASE|Sud-Est]], and [[SNCASO|Sud-Ouest]], offering the ''MD.550 Mystère Delta'', [[SNCASE SE.212 Durandal|SE.212 Durandal]] and [[SNCASO Trident|SO.9000 Trident]], respectively. Dassault's submission, which became known as the MD.550 Mystère Delta, was a diminutive and sleek-appearing aircraft that was principally powered by a pair of {{convert|9.61|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} [[Armstrong Siddeley Viper|Armstrong Siddeley MD30R Viper]] [[afterburner|afterburning]] [[turbojet]] engines (built [[Licensed production|under licence]] by Dassault); atypically, the design also featured provisions for the installation of a secondary propulsion system in the form of a [[Société d'Etudes pour la Propulsion par Réaction|SEPR]]-built 66 liquid-fuel [[rocket engine]], capable of providing boost thrust of {{convert|4.7|kN|lbf|abbr=on}}.<ref name = "prof 173"/>

The basic layout of the MD.550 Mystère Delta featured a tailless [[delta wing|delta]] configuration, possessing a 5 per cent thickness (ratio of airfoil thickness to length) and 60° sweep, complete with a large [[vertical stabilizer]] and [[rudder]].<ref name="gunston 80">Gunston 1976, p. 80.</ref><ref name = "prof 173"/> However, the tailless delta configuration imposed a number of limitations, including the lack of a [[horizontal stabilizer]], which meant that conventional [[flap (aircraft)|flaps]] could not be used; this resulted in a relatively long takeoff run and a high landing speed.<ref>Design For Air Combat, Ray Whitford, Jane's Publishing Company Limited 1987, {{ISBN|0 7106 0426 2}}, p. 54.</ref> The delta wing itself limits maneuverability and suffers from [[Turbulence|buffeting]] at low altitude due to the large wing area and resulting low [[wing loading]]. However, the delta is a simple design, easy to construct and relatively robust while providing generous amounts of internal volume in the wing for fuel and being capable of achieving high speeds when flown in a straight line.<ref name="Mirage III"/>

{{Quote box|align=right|width=19%|quote="If it were not for the clumsy way in which you tackle things in Britain, you could have made the Mirage yourself."|source=<small>[[Marcel Dassault]], founder of [[Dassault Aviation]]<ref name = "wood 86 87">Wood 1975, pp. 86–87.</ref></small>}}
British aviation author Derek Wood observed that there was "a striking resemblance" between the MD.550 Delta and the British [[Fairey Delta 2]], an experimental aircraft that first flew on 6 October 1954, and which set a new world speed record on 1 March 1956.<ref name = "wood 85 86">Wood 1975, pp. 85–86.</ref> During the latter stages of testing of the Fairy Delta 2 in October and November 1956, the FD2 performed 47 low level supersonic test flights from [[Cazaux Air Base]], [[Bordeaux]], in France.<ref name = "wood 85">Wood 1975, p. 85.</ref> Dassault engineers observed these trials and obtained additional data on the performance and flight characteristics of delta wing aircraft.<ref name = "wood 85 86"/> The Delta 2 confirmed Dassault's theories, and provided additional supporting evidence for the viability of the Mirage III development.<ref name = "wood 86">Wood 1975, p. 86.</ref>

===Flight testing===
On 25 June 1955, the first prototype of the MD.550 Mystère Delta, without afterburning engines or rocket motor and with an unusually large vertical stabilizer, conducted its [[maiden flight]].<ref name = "WAPJ14 p120">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 120.</ref><ref name = "prof 173"/> In this configuration, it was able to attain a maximum speed of Mach 1.15. Following initial flights, it received a redesign that involved the vertical stabilizer being reduced in size along with the installation of afterburners and a rocket motor; it was at this point that the aircraft was renamed as the ''Mirage I''.<ref name = "prof 173 175">Brindley 1971, pp. 173, 175.</ref> In late 1954, the prototype attained a recorded speed of Mach 1.3 in level flight without rocket assistance, as well as reaching Mach 1.6 when using the rocket motor.<ref name="Mirage III"/> According to aviation author John F. Brindley, testing of the Mirage I and prototypes of the rival Trident and Durandal designs had demonstrated the limitations of the light fighter concept, namely limitations on both endurance and equipment/payload capacity.<ref name = "prof 175">Brindley 1971, p. 175.</ref> The small size of the Mirage I restricted its armament to a single [[air-to-air missile]], and it was decided during flight trials that the aircraft was too small for the carriage of a useful armament. Following the completion of flying trials, the Mirage I prototype was eventually scrapped.<ref name="Mirage III"/>

Dassault was keen to produce a successor to the Mirage I prototype; at one point, the firm was considering the production of an enlarged version, known as the ''Mirage II'', which would have been furnished with a pair of [[Turbomeca Gabizo]] turbojet engines.<ref name = "prof 175"/> However, the Mirage II ultimately remained unbuilt as it was bypassed for an even more ambitious design, being 30 per cent heavier than the original Mirage I, powered by the newly developed [[Snecma Atar]] afterburning turbojet engine, capable of generating up to {{convert|43.2|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} of thrust. The Atar was an axial-flow turbojet design, having been derived from the [[Germany|German]] [[World War II|Second World War]]-era [[BMW 003]] engine.<ref>Smith 1955, p. 266.</ref> The new Atar-equipped fighter design received the name ''Mirage III''.<ref name = "prof 175"/> There was also an even larger ''heavy fighter'' design drafted, referred to as the [[Dassault Mirage IV|Mirage IV]]. A decisive factor had been interest from the French military, who had made its favour for the Mirage III proposal known to the company.<ref name = "prof 175"/>

The Mirage III incorporated various new design principles, such as the [[transonic]] [[area rule]] concept, where changes to an aircraft's cross-section were made as gradual as possible, resulting in the famous "wasp waist" configuration of many supersonic fighters.<ref name = "prof 175"/> Similar to its Mirage I predecessor, the Mirage III had provision for a booster rocket engine. On 17 November 1956, the prototype Mirage III perform its first flight.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120" /><ref name = "prof 175"/> During its 10th flight, it was recorded as having attained a speed of Mach 1.52 at one point.<ref name="mca p12">Jackson 1985, p. 12.</ref> During the course of the flight test programme, the prototype was fitted with a pair of manually operated intake half-cone [[Diffuser (thermodynamics)#Supersonic Diffusers|shock diffusers]], known as ''souris'' ("mice"), which could be moved forward as the Mach number increased.   This achieved a reduction in inlet pressure losses by ensuring the fuselage oblique shock remained outside the intake lip. Reportedly, their addition enabled an increased speed of Mach 1.65 to be reached, while use of the supplemental SEPR 66 rocket (as fitted to the Mirage I) had allowed for a speed of Mach 1.8 to be reached in September 1957.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120"/><ref name = "mca p12" /><ref name = "prof 175"/>

The success of the Mirage III prototype resulted in an order for 10 pre-production ''Mirage IIIA'' fighters. Although the type had initially conceived of as an interceptor, the batch had been ordered with the intention of using them to develop the type for additional roles as well.<ref name = "prof 175"/> The Mirage IIIA were almost 2 meters longer than the Mirage III prototype, had an enlarged wing of 17.3 per cent greater area, a chord reduced to 4.5 per cent, and an Atar 09B turbojet capable of generating afterburning thrust of up to {{convert|58.9|kN|lbf|abbr=on}}. The [[SEPR 841]] rocket engine was also retained.<ref name=seprunion4>{{cite journal|journal=S.E.P.R. Union Revue d'Information du Personnel |date=February 1959 |issue=4 |page=34 |url=http://dev.museesafran.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/1350048123-revues-sep-union-saf2012_0047323.pdf |title=no title |access-date=26 October 2014 |language=fr }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Mirage IIIA was also fitted with a [[Thomson-CSF]]-built [[Cyrano (radar)|Cyrano Ibis]] [[Fire-control radar|air intercept radar]], operational-standard avionics, and a [[Drogue parachute|drag chute]] to shorten its landing roll.

In May 1958, the first Mirage IIIA conducted its first flight.<ref name = "prof 175"/> On 24 October of that year,<ref name=":0" /> this aircraft achieved a top speed of Mach 2.2 during one of its test flights, thus becoming the first Western European aircraft to exceed Mach 2 in level flight. In December 1959, the tenth and final Mirage IIIA was rolled out; the last six pre-production aircraft were largely representative of the subsequent initial production standard.<ref name = "prof 175"/> The test regime involved a wide variety of tasks, including the evaluation of the newer SEPR 841 rocket motor, various underwing [[drop tank]]s, and other major systems.<ref name = "prof 175 176">Brindley 1971, pp. 175–176.</ref> One Mirage IIIA was powered by a [[Rolls-Royce Avon|Rolls-Royce Avon 67]] engine capable of generating {{convert|71.1|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} of thrust, to serve as a test model for [[Australia]]n evaluation, which was given the ''Mirage IIIO'' designation. This variant flew in February 1961, but the Avon powerplant was ultimately not adopted on production aircraft.<ref name="gunston 86">Gunston 1976, p. 86.</ref><ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 176, 182.</ref>

===Mirage IIIC and Mirage IIIB===

The first major production model, the ''Mirage IIIC'', first flew in October 1960.<ref name = "prof 176">Brindley 1971, p. 176.</ref> The IIIC was largely similar to the earlier IIIA, being less than a half meter longer and featuring a full operational fit. The Mirage IIIC was a single-seat interceptor, with an Atar 09B turbojet engine, featuring an eyelid type variable exhaust.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} The Mirage IIIC was armed with twin 30&nbsp;mm [[DEFA cannon]] fitted in the belly with the gun ports under the air intakes. Early production Mirage IIICs had three stores pylons, one under the fuselage and one under each wing; another outboard pylon was soon added to each wing, for a total of five, excluding a sleek supersonic tank which also had bomb-carrying capacity. The outboard pylon was intended to carry an [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] air-to-air missile, later replaced by the [[Matra R550 Magic]] and was also armed with the radar guided [[Matra R530]] Missile on the center line pylon.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

[[File:SAAF Mirage III BZ 817 (11071140784).jpg|thumb|left|[[South African Air Force]] Mirage IIIBZ]]

A total of 95 Mirage IIICs were obtained by the [[French Air Force]] (''Armée de l'Air'', AdA), with initial operational deliveries in July 1961.<ref name = "prof 176"/> The Mirage IIIC remained in service with the AdA until 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avmir3_1.html#m2 |title=&#91;1.0&#93; the Mirage III, 5, & 50 |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406225450/http://www.airvectors.net/avmir3_1.html#m2 |archive-date=6 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''Armée de l'Air'' also placed an order for a two-seat ''Mirage IIIB'' operational trainer.<ref name = "prof 176"/> Performing its first flight on 21 October 1959, it was developed in parallel with the Mirage IIIC. The fuselage was stretched about a meter (3&nbsp;ft 3.5&nbsp;in), while both cannons were removed to accommodate the second seat.<ref name = "prof 176"/> The IIIB lacked radar and provision for the SEPR rocket was also deleted, although it could carry external stores if desired.<ref name = "prof 176"/> The AdA ordered 63 Mirage IIIBs (including the prototype), including five ''Mirage IIIB-1'' trials aircraft, ten ''Mirage IIIB-2(RV)'' [[inflight refueling]] trainers with dummy nose probes, used for training [[Dassault Mirage IV|Mirage IVA]] bomber pilots, and 20 ''Mirage IIIBE''s, with the engine and some other features of the multi-role Mirage IIIE.<ref name = "prof 176 177">Brindley 1971, pp. 176–177.</ref> One Mirage IIIB was fitted with a [[fly-by-wire]] flight control system in the mid-1970s and redesignated ''Mirage IIIB-SV'' (''Stabilité Variable''), it was used as a testbed for the system in the later [[Mirage 2000]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

===Mirage IIIE===
While the initial Mirage IIIC model was heading towards quantity production, Dassault turned its attention towards the development of a [[multirole fighter|multirole]]/[[air interdiction|strike]] variant of the aircraft.<ref name = "prof 177"/> Efforts in this direction would eventually materialized in the form of the single-seat ''Mirage IIIE''; a two-seat trainer variant of the aircraft was also developed, designated as the ''Mirage IIID''. On 5 April 1961, the first of a batch of three prototypes performed its first flight.<ref name = "prof 177"/>

[[File:Dassault Mirage Cyrano 11 Radar.jpg|thumb|Cutaway view of the Cyrano radar system]]
The Mirage IIIE considerably differed from the earlier Mirage IIIC interceptor. In terms of its airframe, the aircraft possessed a {{convert|300|mm|abbr=on}} forward fuselage extension, which had been made to increase the size of the avionics bay, located directly behind the cockpit. The stretch had also enabled its fuel capacity to be expanded, which had been deemed necessary after several pilots had criticized the Mirage IIIC for having been quite limited in terms of its range.<ref name = "prof 177"/>

Many Mirage IIIEs were fitted with a British-built [[Marconi]] continuous-wave Doppler navigation radar radome on the bottom of the fuselage, underneath the cockpit; in contrast, none of the Mirage IIICs were provided with this apparatus.<ref name = "prof 177"/> A similar inconsistent variation was the presence or absence of a [[high frequency]] (HF) antenna fitted as a forward extension to the vertical tailplane; on some Mirages, the leading edge of the tailplane was a straight line, while on those with the HF antenna the leading edge had a sloping extension forward. The extension appears to have been generally standard on production Mirage IIIAs and Mirage IIICs, but only appeared in some of the Mirage IIIE's export versions. The Mirage IIIE featured Thomson-CSF Cyrano II dual mode air / ground radar; a [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR) system with the antennas mounted in the vertical tailplane; and an Atar 09C engine, the latter being equipped with a petal-style variable exhaust.<ref name = "prof 177"/>

On 14 January 1964, the first production Mirage IIIE was delivered to the AdA, over time, 192 aircraft were eventually delivered to that service. By 1971, this variant had become the most widely exported version of the aircraft.<ref name = "prof 177"/>

===Mirage IIIR===
[[File:Mirage III-R MG 1468.jpg|thumb|Nose of a Mirage IIIRS: Thinner than the fighter version, this nose has several glass apertures for medium-format cameras.]]

A number of dedicated reconnaissance variants of the Mirage III were developed and produced, grouped under the general designation of ''Mirage IIIR''.<ref name = "prof 177">Brindley 1971, p. 177.</ref> These aircraft possessed a Mirage IIIE airframe but were furnished with avionics from the Mirage IIIC variant, along with a purpose-developed camera nose, which internally accommodated up to five OMERA cameras. On this variant, the radar system was removed due to a lack of available space in the nose, however, the aircraft retained the twin DEFA cannons and all compatibility with its external stores.<ref name="WAPJ14 p132-3"/> An improved variant, designated as the ''Mirage IIIRD'', was also developed later on; it was essentially a Mirage IIIR outfitted with an extra panoramic camera at the most forward nose position, along with the adoption of the Doppler radar and other avionics from the Mirage IIIE, and provision for carrying an [[Thermographic camera|infrared linescan]] or a [[Side looking airborne radar]] in an under-fuselage pod.<ref name="WAPJ14 p133">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 133.</ref>

In response to interest expressed by the AdA in a reconnaissance model of the Mirage design, Dassault proceeded with the development of a pair of prototypes.<ref name = "prof 177"/> On 31 October 1961, the first of these prototypes conducted its maiden flight; on 1 February 1963, it was followed by the first production-standard aircraft of the model. The AdA opted to obtain a total of 50 production Mirage IIIRs; the service later ordered a further 20 Mirage IIIRDs as well.<ref name = "prof 177"/> Several export customers, most notably [[Switzerland]], also chose to procure reconnaissance Mirages. The Mirage IIIR preceded the Mirage IIIE in operational introduction.

==Exports and license production==

===Exports===
The largest export customers for Mirage IIICs built in France were [[Israel]], their principal variant being the ''Mirage IIICJ'', and [[South Africa]], the bulk of their fleet being the ''Mirage IIICZ''. Some export customers obtained the Mirage IIIB, with designations only changed to provide a country code, such as:  ''Mirage IIIDA'' for [[Argentina]], ''Mirage IIIDBR'' for [[Brazil]], ''Mirage IIIBJ'' for Israel, ''Mirage IIIBL'' for [[Lebanon]], ''Mirage IIIDP'' for [[Pakistan]], ''Mirage IIIBZ'' and ''Mirage IIIDZ'' and ''Mirage IIID2Z'' for South Africa, ''Mirage IIIDE'' for [[Spain]] and ''Mirage IIIDV'' for [[Venezuela]].<ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 179–190.</ref>

After Israeli success with the Mirage IIIC, scoring kills against [[Syria]]n [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17]]s and [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] aircraft and then achieving a formidable victory against [[Egypt]], [[Jordan]], and Syria in the [[Six-Day War]] of June 1967, the Mirage III's earned a combat-proven service history.  This and low cost made it a popular export success.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}} According to Brindley, a key element of the Mirage III's export success was the extensive support given to Dassault by the French government; he has claimed that the state would often commence negotiations without involving or informing Dassault at all until a later stage.<ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 179–180.</ref>

A good number of Mirage IIIEs were built for export as well, being purchased in small numbers by Argentina as the ''Mirage IIIEA'', Brazil as the ''Mirage IIIEBR'', Lebanon as the ''Mirage IIIEL'', Pakistan as the ''Mirage IIIEP'', South Africa as the ''Mirage IIIEZ'', Spain as the ''Mirage IIIEE'', and Venezuela as the ''Mirage IIIEV'', with a list of subvariant designations, with minor variations in equipment fit. Dassault believed the customer was always right, and was happy to accommodate changes in equipment fit as customer needs and budget required.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

Some customers obtained the two-seat Mirage IIIBE under the general designation ''Mirage IIID'', though the trainers were generally similar to the Mirage IIIBE except for minor changes in equipment fit. In some cases they were identical, since two surplus AdA Mirage IIIBEs were sold to Brazil under the designation ''Mirage IIIBBR'', and three were similarly sold to Egypt under the designation ''Mirage 5SDD''. New-build exports of this type included aircraft sold to [[Abu Dhabi]], Argentina, Brazil, [[Chile]], [[Colombia]], Egypt, [[Gabon]], [[Libya]], Pakistan, [[Peru]], Spain, Venezuela, and [[Zaire]].<ref name="WAPJ14 p126"/>

During the 1960s, the Soviet Union was alleged to have been engaged in attempts at conducting [[industrial espionage]] that targeted Dassault and specifically the Mirage III. In one widely reported incident, a pilot of the [[Lebanese Air Force]] was approached by Soviet agents, who offered him a [[bribe]] to fly one of the nation's 14 Mirage IIIs directly to Soviet territory; Lebanese counter-intelligence was notified of the attempt by the pilot.<ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 186–187.</ref> Diplomatically, France was protective of the fighter, often forbidding nations from re-exporting their Mirage IIIs to third parties without their consent under the threat of a prospective embargo.<ref name = "prof 187">Brindley 1971, p. 187.</ref>

Export versions of the Mirage IIIR were built for Pakistan as the ''Mirage IIIRP'' and ''Mirage IIIRP2'',<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=147–149}}</ref> and South Africa as the ''Mirage IIIRZ'' and ''Mirage IIIR2Z'' with an Atar 9K-50 jet engine.<ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 187, 189.</ref> Export versions of the IIIR recce aircraft were purchased by Abu Dhabi, Belgium, Colombia, Egypt, Libya, Pakistan, and South Africa. Some export Mirage IIIRDs were fitted with British [[Vinten]] cameras, not OMERA cameras. Most of the Belgian aircraft were built locally.<ref name="WAPJ14 p133"/>

====Israel====
[[File:Hatzerim Mirage 20100129 1.jpg|thumb|Mirage IIICJ at the [[Israeli Air Force Museum]] (13 victory markings)]]

The [[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) purchased three variants of the Mirage III:<ref name=AR>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_274.shtml |title=Dassault Mirage III & Mirage 5/Nesher in Israeli Service |publisher=ACIG |year=2003 |access-date=9 July 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726102431/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_274.shtml |archive-date=26 July 2014 }}</ref><ref name="prof 183">Brindley 1971, p. 183.</ref>
* 70 Mirage IIICJ single-seat fighters, received between April 1962 and July 1964.
* Two Mirage IIIRJ single-seat photo-reconnaissance aircraft, received in March 1964.
* Four Mirage IIIBJ two-seat combat trainers, three received in 1966 and one in 1968.

Initial Israeli operations were conducted in a close cooperative relationship with both Dassault and France itself, the former sharing large amounts of operational data and experience with the other parties.<ref name="prof 183" /> However, Israel was forced into updating its own Mirages when France imposed an [[arms embargo]] on the region after the 1967 Six-Day War. For many years, official military relations did not exist between France and Israel, however, spare components remained available.<ref name="prof 183" /> The result of these troubles was the development of [[Israel Aircraft Industries]]' [[IAI Nesher|Nesher]] fighter, which was based on the Mirage 5. Nevertheless, Mirage IIIB upgrades up to and including a full [[IAI Kfir|Kfir]]-type conversion have also been made available to third parties by IAI.<ref name=AR /><ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 183, 186.</ref>

====South Africa====

South Africa was amongst the earliest export customers for the Mirage III, having initially ordered a batch of 15 Mirage IIIC for low-level ground attack operations, for which they were armed with the [[Nord Aviation]] [[AS-20]], along with three Mirage IIIBZ two-seater trainers.<ref name = "prof 189"/> Further aircraft were ordered, including a batch of 16 Mirage IIIEs, three Mirage IIID two-seaters and four Mirage IIIR photo-reconnaissance aircraft. During the early 1970s, South Africa reportedly held negotiations with Dassault with the aim of securing a licence to produce either the Mirage III, the Mirage 5 and the Mirage F1.<ref name = "prof 189">Brindley 1971, p. 189.</ref>

However, much like Israel, South Africa was similarly isolated by a French arms embargo after the passage of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 418]] in November 1977.<ref name="War">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zEQ-Km_KShAC&q=Coventry+Four&pg=PA238|title=War and Society: The Militarisation of South Africa|author=Jacklyn Cock, Laurie Nathan|year=1989|publisher=New Africa Books|isbn=978-0-86486-115-3|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114010110/http://books.google.com/books?id=zEQ-Km_KShAC&pg=PA238&dq=Coventry+Four&sig=f48spXJo8chofA0jdDIacKxXLig#PPA238,M1|archive-date=14 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[South African Air Force]] launched an ambitious rebuild programme for its Mirage III fleet, soliciting Israeli technical assistance to convert existing airframes into the [[Atlas Cheetah]]. Fixed foreplanes distinguish the Cheetah from its Mirage predecessor, and an extended nose, probably inspired by the IAI Kfir, houses a modified electronics suite, including radar.<ref name="IMI">{{cite book|last=Polakow-Suransky|first=Sasha|title=The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa |pages=1–336}}</ref> Built in single-seat, two-seat interceptor, and two-seat combat trainer versions, the Atlas Cheetah entered service in 1987 during the [[South African Border War]]. Armament consists of [[Denel]] [[V3 Kukri (missile)|Kukri]] or [[A-Darter|Darter]] heat-seeking air-to-air missiles, the targeting of which was aided by a pilot's helmet mounted sight.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

====Pakistan====
[[File:PAF Dassault Mirage reconnaissance variant with F-16C Block 52+.jpg|thumb|A Pakistani Mirage-IIIE reconnaissance variant with a Pakistani F-16C in the background in 2011]]
In 1967, Pakistan opted to purchase an initial batch of 18 Mirage IIIEPs, 3 Mirage IIIDPs and 3 Mirage IIIRPs from France.<ref name="armstrade.sipri.org">{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |access-date=6 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://airforcesmonthly.keypublishing.com/2017/05/22/half-a-century-of-service-for-pakistans-mirage/ |title=Half a century of service for Pakistan's Mirage &#124; Air Forces Monthly |access-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418140814/https://airforcesmonthly.keypublishing.com/2017/05/22/half-a-century-of-service-for-pakistans-mirage/ |archive-date=18 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the course of time, the [[Pakistan Air Force]] (PAF) inducted large numbers of new and secondhand Mirages IIIs and [[Mirage 5]]s spanning multiple variants. In 1977 and 1978, an additional 10 new Mirage IIIRP2s were delivered.<ref name="auto1">{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=149}}</ref>

Perhaps the most notable PAF unit equipped with the type has been [[No. 5 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 5 Squadron]], which was fully operational by the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]. During the conflict, while flying out from bases in [[Sargodha]] and [[Mianwali]], the Mirage III was used to conduct ground attacks against Indian military units and targets of interest. The PAF denied that any Mirage was lost. It was also confirmed by France that no fighter jet was missing from the total of 23 (a single aircraft had already been lost before the war).<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=155}}</ref>

In 1991, because French production of the Mirage III and most spare parts had ceased, Pakistan acquired 50 Australian-built Mirages, which had been retired by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] in 1988: 42 examples of the Mirage IIIO and eight twin-seat IIID.<ref name="adf-serials.com.au">{{cite web |url=http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3-Pakistan.htm |title=ADF-Serials 2018 ''ex-RAAF Mirages in Pakistan Air Force Service'' (16 November 2018). |access-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116173929/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3-Pakistan.htm |archive-date=16 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> A further five incomplete aircraft were also obtained from the RAAF for [[Cannibalization (parts)|cannibalized spare parts]].<ref name=trade>{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Eight of the ex-RAAF Mirages entered service with the PAF immediately, while another 33 were upgraded under a PAF project known as [[Project ROSE#Mirage IIIO ROSE I|ROSE I]] ("Retrofit of Strike Element"), with new equipment including: [[head-up display]] (HUD), [[HOTAS]] controls, [[multi-function display]] (MFD), [[radar altimeter]], [[nav/attack system]] (manufactured by [[SAGEM]]), [[inertial navigation]] and [[GPS]] systems, radar warning receiver (RWR), an [[electronic countermeasures]] (ECM) suite, [[Flare (countermeasure)|decoy flares]] and [[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] dispenser. In 1999, multi-mode [[FIAR|FIAR Grifo M3]] radar was installed in the PAF Mirages.<ref name="flightglobal.com 24/02/99">Paul Lewis, "Building a base: Pakistan builds on the capabilities of local support for combat aircraft", ''[[Flight International]]'', published: 24 February 1999, URL: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1999/02/24/48539/building-a-base.html Retrieved: 25 September 2009</ref>

Ten Lebanese Air Force aircraft were purchased in 2000<ref name="armstrade.sipri.org"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/AirforceMain.asp |title=Lebanese Army Website |access-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071231061444/http://www.lebarmy.gov.lb/English/AirforceMain.asp |archive-date=31 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and in 2003 15 Mirage IIIEEs and 5 Mirage IIIDEs were obtained from the [[Spanish Air Force]] for cannibalized spare parts.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=154}}</ref>

From 2011, the PAF Mirage fleet was modified to carry [[Hatf-VIII (Ra'ad)]] cruise missiles and to accommodate [[aerial refueling]] probes of South African origin (presumably similar to those installed on the Atlas Cheetah). Subsequently, these aircraft have been modified to accept additional equipment and munitions, such as Chinese [[PL-12]] air-to-air missiles.<ref name=trade/>

In 2019, the PAF was reported to be in negotiation with Egypt for purchase of 30 Mirages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24626/Pakistan_To_Get_Egyptian_Mirage_5_Jets__Report|title = Pakistan to Get Egyptian Mirage 5 Jets: Report}}</ref>

===License production===
Variants of the Mirage IIIE were built under license in both Australia (as the IIIO) by [[Government Aircraft Factories|GAF]], and Switzerland (as the IIIS) by [[RUAG|F+W Emmen]].

====Australia====
{{main|Dassault Mirage III Australian procurement}}
[[File:Two Mirage III of the Royal Australian Air Force 1.JPEG|thumb|Australian Mirage IIIO (top) and Mirage IIID (bottom) in 1980. These aircraft are now operated by the Pakistan Air Force.]]
[[File:RAAF Mirage.jpg|thumb|An Australian Mirage IIID in 1988]]

Australia first showed an official interest in replacing its [[CAC Sabre]] with the Mirage III in 1960, and initially considered a variant powered by a licence-built variant of the Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet (used by the CAC Sabre).<ref name = "prof 180"/> While an experimental Avon-powered Mirage III was built as a prototype and flown in trials, it did not result in use of the Avon by a production variant.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=67}}</ref>

The Australian government decided that the Royal Australian Air Force](RAAF) would receive a variant based on the Mirage IIIE and powered by the SNECMA Atar engine, built under license by Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) at [[Port Melbourne, Victoria#Fishermans Bend|Fishermans Bend]], [[Melbourne]].<ref name = "prof 180"/>  Known as the ''Mirage IIIO'' or '''GAF Mirage''', the Australian variant differed from the Mirage IIIE mainly in its avionics. The other major Australian aircraft manufacturer at the time, the [[Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation]] (CAC), also based in Melbourne, was also involved in the project, producing the Atar engine under licence.<ref name = "prof 180">Brindley 1971, p. 180.</ref>

Initially, Dassault provided a pair of pattern aircraft, the first of these flying in March 1963, which were transported to Australia and used to aid technicians at GAF in establishing their own assembly line for the type.<ref name = "prof 180"/> GAF produced three variants: the ''Mirage IIIO(F)'', which was an interceptor, the Mirage ''IIIO(A)'', a surface attack aircraft and the twin seat ''Mirage IIIO(D)'', a [[lead-in fighter trainer]]. GAF completed 48 Mirage IIIO(F), 50 Mirage IIIO(A) and 16 Mirage IIIO(D) aircraft.<ref name = "prof 180"/>

Between 1967 and 1979, all the surviving Mirage IIIO(F) aircraft were converted to the Mirage IIIO(A) standard, which reconfigured them from the interceptor role to perform ground attack and aerial reconnaissance missions instead.<ref name = "prof 180"/> In 1988, the Mirage III was finally withdrawn from RAAF service; 50 of the surviving fighters were exported to Pakistan in 1990.<ref name="adf-serials.com.au"/> Several examples are preserved in museums around Australia; at least one of these is reportedly under restoration to a taxiable condition.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}}

====Switzerland====
[[File:Mirage III-R MG 1444.jpg|thumb|Swiss Dassault Mirage IIIRS on display]]
[[File:Jato3.jpg|thumb|Swiss Air Force Mirage IIIS JATO (jet-assisted take-off)]]

In 1961, Switzerland purchased a single Mirage IIIC from France for use as a development aircraft to support the nation's intentions to domestically produce 100 Mirage III fighters for the [[Swiss Air Force]].<ref name = "prof 189 190"/> Accordingly, Mirages were manufactured in Switzerland by F+W Emmen (today RUAG, the federal government aircraft factory in [[Emmen, Switzerland|Emmen]]) under the Mirage IIIS designation. The Mirage IIIS was intended to perform the attack, interception, and reconnaissance missions in a single model.<ref name = "prof 189"/> However, the venture suffered considerable cost overruns, mainly due to Swiss-mandated customisations and features, this was compounded by a lack of financial oversight, controversy over the manufacturing cost ultimately cumulated in the so-called [[History of the Swiss Air Force#Mirage affair|"Mirage affair"]] and the resignation of several officials.<ref>François Modoux, « Du Mirage au Gripen : l'épreuve du carcan financier », {{Lang|fr|[[Le Temps]]}}, Thursday 15 May 2014, p. 9.</ref> It became clear that a single model was not capable of the performance desires; thus only 36 Mirage IIIS interceptors and 18 Mirage IIIRS reconnaissance aircraft were eventually produced by F+W Emmen.<ref name = "prof 189 190">Brindley 1971, pp. 189–190.</ref>

The Mirage IIIS was with considerably strengthened wings, airframe, and [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] as the Swiss Air Force had required robustness comparable to that of carrier-based planes.<ref name = "prof 189"/> The reinforced airframes enabled aircraft to be moved by lifting them with a crane (hence the airframes also being fitted with four lifting points, retractable nosecones and lengthened nosewheel legs), as the [[aircraft cavern]]s in the mountains that Swiss Air Force uses as bunkers offer very little space to maneuver parked aircraft. Another benefit of the strengthened frames was the enabling of [[JATO]]-assisted takeoffs, giving the type a [[STOL|short takeoff and landing]] (STOL) capability.<ref name = "prof 189"/>

Other major differences were present on the Swiss-built interceptors. It was furnished with new American-sourced avionics along with a different cockpit design, including a [[Hughes Aircraft Company]]-built TARAN-18 radar system and could armed with the [[AIM-4 Falcon]] air-to-air missile (Swiss designation of the [[Saab AB|SAAB]] Licence built Robot 27 (Rb27), which is similar to the Hughes AIM-26 "Falcon").<ref name = "prof 189"/> In addition, the Mirage IIIS had the wiring to carry a Swiss-built or French-built nuclear bomb. In the event, the programme to produce a [[Switzerland and weapons of mass destruction|Swiss nuclear bomb]] was stopped in the pre-production stage and Switzerland chose not to purchase such weapons from France either.{{Citation needed |date=January 2013}} The Mirage IIIRS could also carry a centerline pod for conducting [[aerial reconnaissance|photo reconnaissance]] missions, as well as an integral fuel tank underneath the aft belly; this tank could carry a smaller fuel load, but also allowed for a rear-facing film camera to also be added. When fitted with the reconnaissance pod, supersonic performance was severely diminished.<ref name = "prof 189"/> The Mirage IIIS could be optionally fitted with a SEPR (Société d'Etudes pour la Propulsion par Réaction) [[SEPR 84|844]] rocket engine.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=86}}</ref>

[[File:SEPR Antrieb für Mirage.JPG|thumb|[[SEPR rocket engine|SEPR]] at the [[Flieger-Flab-Museum]] ]]

In 1967, the Mirage IIIS entered operational service with the Swiss Air Force; the Mirage IIIRS followed two years later.<ref name = "prof 190">Brindley 1971, p. 190.</ref> During their service life, Swiss Mirages received several upgrades, including the installation of a [[Martin-Baker]] Mk 6 ejection seat, a radar warning receiver, and a TRACOR AN/ALE-40 chaff/flare dispenser positioned at the back under the rear of the fuselage.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=91}}</ref> Starting in 1988, canards and strakes designed by [[Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke Altenrhein|FFA]] and [[:de:Eidgenössisches Flugzeugwerk|F+W]] in cooperation with Dassault, and produced in Switzerland, were fitted to the type.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=91-93}}</ref> In 1999, Switzerland phased out the last of its Mirage IIIS fleet; the remaining Mirage IIIRS, BS and DS variants were taken out of service in 2003.<ref name="SAF-Aircraft">[http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/historical.html "Historical aircraft."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728131122/http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/en/home/dokumentation/assets/aircraft/historical.html |date=28 July 2011 }} ''Swiss Air Force.'' Retrieved 9 April 2010.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Meitar Collection (997009327157005171.jpg|thumb|A Mirage IIICJ armed with a [[Matra R530]] in 1967]]
[[File:Downed Mirage.jpg|thumb|Wreckage of downed Israeli Mirage in the [[Yom Kippur war]] 1973]]

===Israel===
On 29 November 1966, the pilot of an Israeli Air Force Dassault Mirage III shot down two Egyptian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19|MiG-19s]] which were trying to intercept an Israeli reconnaissance [[Piper J-3 Cub]] in Israeli airspace. The first MiG was destroyed with a [[R.530]] radar guided missile fired from less than a mile away, marking the first aerial kill for the French-made missile. The second MiG-19 was dispatched with cannon fire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jta.org/1966/11/30/archive/israeli-pilot-shoots-down-two-egyptian-soviet-made-mig-jets |title=Israeli Pilot Shoots Down Two Egyptian Soviet-made Mig Jets |access-date=13 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414092018/https://www.jta.org/1966/11/30/archive/israeli-pilot-shoots-down-two-egyptian-soviet-made-mig-jets |archive-date=14 April 2018 |url-status=live |date=30 November 1966 }}</ref>

====Six-Day War====
During the Six-Day War, fought between 5 and 10 June 1967, Israel deployed a small detachment of 12 Mirages (comprising 4 permanently in the air and 8 at a high state of readiness on the ground) to defend the skies of Israel against attacks by hostile bombers, virtually all other Mirages were equipped with bombs and deployed on bombing raids against Arab air bases. Reportedly, the Mirage's performance as a bomber was modest at best, perhaps due to its limited payload capacity. During the first day of combat, a total of 6 MiG fighters were claimed to have been shot down by Mirage pilots. During the following days, Israeli Mirages typically performed as fighters; out of a claimed total of 58 Arab aircraft shot down in air combat during the conflict, 48 were accounted for by Mirage pilots.<ref name="air aces">{{cite web|last=Šafařík|first=Jan J.|title=Attributed Israeli Air Combat Victories|url=http://aces.safarikovi.org/victories/victories-israel.html|work=Air Aces|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815145038/http://aces.safarikovi.org/victories/victories-israel.html|archive-date=15 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Yom Kippur War====
During the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]], the Mirage fleet was solely engaged in air-to-air operations. ACIG.org claims that at least 26 Mirages and Neshers were lost in air-to-air combat during the war.<ref>[http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=47 "Egyptian Air-to-Air Victories since 1948."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054810/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=185&Itemid=47 |date=21 September 2013 }} ''ACIG.'' Retrieved: 25 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=47 "Syrian Air-to-Air Victories since 1948."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060008/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=47 |date=21 September 2013 }} ''ACIG.'' Retrieved: 25 August 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=47 "Iraqi Air-to-Air Victories since 1967."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219172206/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=47 |date=19 December 2016 }}''ACIG.'' Retrieved: 25 August 2013.</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2014}} Contrary to these claims, formal Israeli sources claim that only five Israeli Air Force aircraft were shot down in air-to-air dogfights.<ref>{{cite web|title=Downing|url=http://www.iaf.org.il/43-he/IAF.aspx|work=Israeli Air Force official site|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221020451/http://www.iaf.org.il/43-HE/IAF.aspx|archive-date=21 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In comparison, 106 Syrian and Egyptian aircraft were claimed shot down by Israeli Mirage IIICJ planes, and another 140 aircraft were claimed by the Nesher derivative.<ref name="air aces"/> Israeli Air Force pilot [[Giora Epstein]], "ace of aces" of modern, supersonic fighter jets, achieved all of his victories flying either the Mirage IIICJ or the IAI Nesher (an Israeli derivative of the Mirage 5, which were in turn developed from the Mirage III).<ref>{{cite web|title=The Best Pilot|url=http://www.amazing-airplanes.com/amazing_acheivements/best_pilot.php|work=Amazing Airplanes|access-date=28 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204005153/http://www.amazing-airplanes.com/amazing_acheivements/best_pilot.php|archive-date=4 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===South Africa===
====Border War====
During the South African Border War, the South African Air Force operated a force of 16 Mirage IIICZ interceptors, 17 Mirage IIIEZ multirole fighter-bombers, and 4 Mirage IIIRZ reconnaissance fighters, which were typically flown from bases in [[South-West Africa]].<ref name="Vlamgat">{{cite book|last=Lord|first=Dick|title=Vlamgat: The Story of the Mirage F1 in the South African Air Force|year=2008|publisher=30° South Publishers|location=Johannesburg, South Africa|isbn=978-1-920143-36-7}}</ref> Despite being recognised as an exceptional dogfighter, the Mirage III was often criticised for lacking the range to make it effective over long distances, such as during strike operations against [[People's Liberation Army of Namibia]] (PLAN) insurgents based in neighbouring [[Angola]].<ref name="Lord">{{cite book | title=From Fledgling to Eagle. The South African Air Force during the Border War. | publisher=Helion and Company Ltd | author=Lord, Dick | year=2012 | location=Solihull, West Midlands, UK | isbn=9781908916624}}</ref> South African pilots also found the high-nosed, delta-winged Mirage III relatively difficult to land on the rudimentary airstrips near the operational area.<ref name="Vlamgat"/>

Over time, the Mirage IIIs were eventually assigned to [[2 Squadron SAAF|2 Squadron, SAAF]], and restricted to the secondary roles of daytime interception, training exercises, and photographic reconnaissance missions following the adoption of the newer [[Mirage F1]]. The mediocre performance of the fighter's Cyrano II radar effectively precluded the type from conducting nighttime operations, as well as during challenging weather conditions.<ref name="Vlamgat"/> By the late 1980s, the Mirage IIICZ was considered so obsolete that it was utilised only for base security.<ref name="Scholtz">{{cite book|last=Scholtz|first=Leopold|title=The SADF in the Border War 1966–1989|year=2013|publisher=Tafelberg|location=Cape Town|isbn=978-0-624-05410-8}}</ref> Nevertheless, the Mirage IIIRZ continued to be deployed for photo reconnaissance missions over Angolan targets, as the SAAF had only one other aircraft equipped for this role, the even more antiquated [[English Electric Canberra]].<ref name="Lord"/>

During reconnaissance missions, SAAF Mirage IIIRZs would often fly at extremely low altitudes, sometimes as low as {{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=off|spell=in}}; briefly prior to reaching their intended targets, the aircraft would enter a rapid climb from which photographs would be taken before turning away.<ref name="Scholtz"/> During the [[Battle of Cuito Cuanavale]], Mirage IIIRZ pilots carried out mock sorties over enemy positions in [[Xangongo]] and [[Humbe]] in an attempt to provoke a response from Cuban or Angolan MiG-21s and [[Mikoyan MiG-23|MiG-23s]], which would then be engaged by accompanying SAAF Mirage F1AZs.<ref name="Scholtz"/>

===Pakistan===

==== Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 ====
[[File:Pakistan Air Force Cold War Jets.jpg|thumb|PAF's Dassault Mirage-III, Shenyang F-6 and Lockheed F-104 flying in a 3-ship formation]]
During the 1971 War, PAF Mirages were used in [[Operation Chengiz Khan|preemptive strikes]] and also claimed the first aerial victories against [[Indian Air Force|Indian]] Airforce Canberra bombers and reconnaissance aircraft in the Western Front, along with [[Su-7]] and [[Hawker Hunter]]. During the war, the Mirages were frequently employed for Airfield Interdiction, strike, as well as CAP missions; whereas the tasks of Close Air Support and Battlefield Air Interdiction were taken up by [[F-86 Sabre]]s and [[Shenyang J-6|Shenyang F-6P]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Tufail |first1=M. Kaiser |title=Against all odds : the Pakistan Air Force in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war |date=March 2020 |publisher=Helion and Company |location=Warwick |isbn=9781913118648 |pages=48–75}}</ref>
Moreover, during the [[War on terror]], Pakistani Mirage-III & Mirage-V jets were deployed in the [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] province after the [[Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|spillover of militants from Afghanistan]] in 2001. They performed Close Air Support missions throughout the conflict.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/what-you-need-to-know-about-pakistans-north-waziristan-operation#_edncc6bd0732d08d5d0924938f6a5a5056746 | title=What You Need to Know About Pakistan's North Waziristan Operation }}</ref>

==== Operation Swift Retort ====
{{Main|2019 Jammu and Kashmir airstrikes}}
[[File:PAF Mirage III ROSE alert scramble competition Falcon Air Meet 2010 side view 2.jpg|thumb|[[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]] Mirage-IIIEA [[Project ROSE|ROSE-1]] from the [[No. 7 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 7 Squadron]]]]In February 2019, the Indian Air Force [[2019 Balakot airstrike|bombed an alleged terrorist training camp]] in [[Balakot]] after violating Pakistan's airspace. In response, then [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]] [[Imran Khan]] ordered the Pakistan Air Force to perform retaliatory airstrikes on Indian military installations at [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian Administered Kashmir]]. The retaliatory airstrikes were codenamed "Operation Swift Retort" and for this purpose, Two [[Dassault Mirage 5|Dassault Mirage 5PA]]s armed with [[H-4 SOW]] glide bombs and two dual seat Mirage IIIDAs from the [[No. 15 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 15 Squadron]] were deployed for the mission. In the early hours of 27 February, the Mirages carried out the airstrikes while [[JF-17]]s and [[F-16]]s from [[List of Pakistan Air Force squadrons|other squadrons]] provided [[fighter escort|escort]] and [[Combat Air Patrol|CAP]]. The Mirage 5PAs dropped their payloads while the [[Weapon Systems Officer]]s in the Mirage IIIDAs guided the bombs to their respective targets via [[data link]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2019/06/pulwama-from-bluster-to-whimper.html|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]|title=Pulwama-From Bluster to a Whimper|date=1 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://casstt.com/post/another-day-of-pride-for-the-pakistan-air-force-february-27-2019/320 |title='Another Day of Pride for the Pakistan Air Force: February 27, 2019 |publisher=Casstt.com |date= |accessdate=2022-08-07 |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926004819/https://casstt.com/post/another-day-of-pride-for-the-pakistan-air-force-february-27-2019/320 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.keymilitary.com/article/operation-swift-retort-one-year |title=Operation Swift Retort one year on |publisher=Keymilitary.com |date=2020-03-19 |accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/892466/pafs-operation-swift-retort-feb-27-continues-to-haunt-iaf/ |title=PAF's Operation Swift Retort - Feb 27 continues to haunt IAF |publisher=Daily Times |date=February 27, 2022 |accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2021/02/iafs-balakot-disaster-two-years-on.html?m=1 | title= IAF's Balakot Disaster Two Years On|date=26 February 2021|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2286502/paf-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-of-operation-swift-retort-at-ahq |title=PAF celebrates 2nd anniversary of Operation Swift Retort today at AHQ |publisher=Tribune.com.pk |date= 27 February 2021|accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/06-Sep-2020/paf-pilots-who-downed-indian-jets-receive-pakistan-s-gallantry-awards-video |title=PAF pilots who downed Indian jets receive Pakistan's gallantry awards – VIDEO |publisher=En.dailypakistan.com.pk |date=2020-09-06 |accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref>

===Argentina===
====Falklands War====
{{main|Argentine air forces in the Falklands War}}
[[File:Argentina Air Force Dassault Mirage IIIEA Lofting-3.jpg|thumb|Argentina Air Force Dassault Mirage-IIIEA]]
The Argentine Air Force deployed their Mirage IIIEA fleet during the 1982 [[Falklands War]]. Their ability to function as long-range strike aircraft was dramatically hindered by the type's lack of any aerial refueling capability; even when furnished with a pair of 2,000-litre (550-gallon) drop tanks to carry extra fuel, the Mirages (and Israeli-built [[IAI Dagger|Daggers]]) would be forced to fly up to the absolute limit of their range in order to even reach the British fleet from the mainland. Normally, the fighters would be sent to engage patrolling British [[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|Harrier jets]] and to provide air cover to a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk strike force; however, they would have no more than five minutes at most over the combat area before having to embark upon the return flight back to their [[Aerodrome|airfields]].<ref>Hezsely, Csaba B. [http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj02/fal02/corum.html "Argentine Airpower in the Falklands War."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191905/http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/apj/apj02/fal02/corum.html |date=2 January 2014 }} ''United States Air Force'', 12 January 1989.</ref>

Usually, Argentine Mirages were flown with an armament consisting of one Matra R530 or a pair of [[R550 Magic|Magic 1]] AAMs. They only entered direct combat once, resulting in one of the Mirages being shot down by an [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinder]] fired by a Harrier, and another destroyed by [[friendly fire]] after attempting to land on the runway at [[Stanley, Falkland Islands|Port Stanley]] when nearly out of fuel. The fighters were frequently deployed to conduct diversion flights, flying at a very high altitude to force a response from the patrolling British Harriers to improve the chances of survival and success of the attack force. Additionally, a number of Mirages were also kept on a high state of alert against possible [[Avro Vulcan]] raids upon targets within the Argentine mainland, as well as to serve as a deterrence against aggressive flights by neighbouring Chile conducted upon Argentina's western border.<ref>Carballo, Pablo. ''Halcones Sobre Malvinas'' (in Spanish). Cruzamante, 1985. {{ISBN|950-9294-07-1}}</ref>

==Variants==
; M.D.550 Mystère-Delta: Single-seat delta-wing interceptor-fighter prototype, fitted with a delta vertical tail surface, equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear, powered by two {{convert|7.35|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} thrust M.D.30 ([[Armstrong Siddeley Viper]]) turbojet engines; one built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120"/>
; Mirage I: Revised first prototype, fitted with a swept vertical tail surface, powered by two reheated M.D.30R turbojet engines, {{convert|9.61|kN|lbf|abbr=on}}, also fitted with a {{convert|15|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} thrust [[SEPR 66]] rocket booster.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120"/>
; Mirage II: Single-seat delta-wing interceptor-fighter prototype, larger version of the Mirage I, powered by two Turbomeca Gabizo turbojet engines; one abandoned incomplete.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120"/>
; Mirage III-001: Prototype, initially powered by a {{convert|44.12|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} thrust Atar 101G1 turbojet engine, later refitted with {{convert|43.15|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} Atar 101G-2 and also fitted with a [[SEPR 66]] auxiliary rocket motor; one built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p120"/>
; Mirage IIIA : Pre-production aircraft, with a lengthened, area ruled fuselage and powered by a {{convert|42.8|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} dry and {{convert|58.84|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} with reheat Atar 9B turbojet engine, also with provision for {{convert|13.34|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} [[SEPR 84]] auxiliary rocket motor. Fitted with [[Dassault Super Aida]] or [[Thomson-CSF Cyrano I bis]] radar. Ten built for the French Air Force.<ref name="WAPJ14 p121-2">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, pp. 121–122.</ref>
[[File:SAAF Mirage IIIBZ.jpg|thumb|A South African Air Force Mirage IIIBZ on display at the [[South African Air Force Museum]] on [[AFB Swartkop]]]]
; Mirage IIIB : Two-seat tandem trainer aircraft fitted with one piece canopy. Lacks radar, cannon armament and provision for booster rocket. Prototype (based on the IIIA) first flown on 20 October 1959. Followed by 26 production IIIBs based on IIIC for French Air Force and one for [[Centre d'essais en vol]] (CEV) test centre.<ref name="WAPJ14 p122">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 122.</ref><ref name="WAPJ14 p124">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 124.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIB-1''' : Trials aircraft. Five built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p124"/>
* '''Mirage IIIB-2(RV)''' : Inflight refuelling training aircraft for Mirage IV force, fitted with dummy refuelling probe in nose. Ten built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p125">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 125.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIBE''' : Two-seat training aircraft based on Mirage IIIE for the French Air Force, similar to the Mirage IIID. 20 built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p125"/>
* '''Mirage IIIBJ''' : Mirage IIIB for [[Israeli Air Force]]. Five built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p124"/> Three later sold to Argentina and delivered between December 1982 and February 1983.<ref name="auto2">{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=249}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIBL''' : Mirage IIIBE for [[Lebanon Air Force]]; two built.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=137}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIBS''' : Mirage IIIB for the [[Swiss Air Force]]; four built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p124"/>
* '''Mirage IIIBZ''' : Mirage IIIB for the [[South African Air Force]]; three built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p124"/>
; Mirage IIIC : Single-seat all-weather interceptor-fighter aircraft, with longer fuselage than the IIIA ({{convert|14.73|m|ftin|abbr=on}}) and equipped with a Cyrano I bis radar. The Mirage IIIC was armed with two {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on|3}} cannons, as well as a single [[R.511|Matra R.511]], Nord [[AA.20]] or [[Matra R530]] air-to-air missile under the fuselage and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles under the wings. It was powered by an Atar 9B-3 turbojet engine, which could be supplemented by fitting an auxiliary rocket motor in the rear fuselage if the cannons were removed. 95 were built for the French Air Force.<ref name="WAPJ14 p122-3">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 122–123.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIICJ''' : Mirage IIIC for the Israeli Air Force, fitted with simpler electronics and with provision for the booster rocket removed.<ref name="WAPJ16 p108">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 108.</ref> 72 delivered between 1962 and 1964.<ref name="WAPJ14 p123">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 123.</ref> 19 later sold to Argentina and delivered between December 1982 and February 1983.<ref name="auto2"/>
* '''Mirage IIICS''' : Mirage IIIC supplied to Swiss Air Force in 1962 for evaluation and test purposes. One built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p123"/>
* '''Mirage IIICZ''' : Mirage IIIC for the South African Air Force. 16 supplied between December 1962 and March 1964.<ref name="WAPJ16 p113">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 113.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIC-2''' : Conversion of French Mirage IIIE with Atar 09K-6 engine. One aircraft converted, later re-converted to Mirage IIIE.<ref name="WAPJ14 p124"/>
;Mirage IIID : Two-seat trainer version of the Mirage IIIE, powered by {{convert|41.97|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} dry and {{convert|58.84|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} with reheat Atar 09-C engine. Fitted with distinctive strakes under the nose. Almost identical aircraft designated Mirage IIIBE, IIID and 5Dx depending on customer.<ref name="WAPJ14 p125-6">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, pp. 125–126.</ref>
[[File:Primer Mirage III en Argentina.jpg|thumb|The first Argentine Mirage, a IIIDA]]
* '''Mirage IIID''' : Two-seat training aircraft for the RAAF. Built under licence in Australia; 16 built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p126">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 126.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDA''' : Two-seat trainer for the [[Argentine Air Force]]. Two supplied 1973 and a further two in 1982.<ref name="WAPJ14 p126"/><ref name="WAPJ16 p91">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 91.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDBR''' : Two-seat trainer for the Brazilian Air Force, designated F-103D. Four newly built aircraft delivered from 1972. Two ex-French Air Force Mirage IIIBEs delivered 1984 to make up for losses in accidents.<ref name="MCA23 p49-0">Jackson 1985, pp. 49–50.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDBR-2''' : Refurbished and updated aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force, with more modern avionics and canard foreplanes. Two ex-French aircraft sold to Brazil in 1988, with remaining two DBRs upgraded to same standard.<ref name="WAPJ16 p96">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 96.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDE''' : Two-seat trainer for Spanish Air Force. Seven built with local designation CE.11.<ref name="auto">{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=216}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDP''' : Two-seat trainer for the Pakistan Air Force. Five built.<ref name="WAPJ16 p111">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 111.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDS''' : Two-seat trainer for the Swiss Air Force. Two delivered in 1983.<ref name="MCA23 p56">Jackson 1985, p. 56.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIDZ''' : Two-seat trainer for the South African Air Force; three delivered in 1969.<ref name="WAPJ16 p113"/>
* '''Mirage IIID2Z''' : Two-seat trainer for the South African Air Force; eleven delivered in 1973 and 1974, with an additional example delivered in knocked-down form in 1979 and assembled in South Africa.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=120,123}}</ref>
[[File:Argentina Air Force Dassault Mirage IIIEA Lofting-1.jpg|thumb|Mirage IIIEA of the [[Argentine Air Force]]]]
;Mirage IIIE: Single-seat tactical strike and fighter-bomber aircraft, with {{convert|300|mm|abbr=on}} fuselage plug to accommodate an additional avionics bay behind the cockpit. Fitted with Cyrano II radar with additional air-to-ground modes compared to Mirage IIIC, improved navigation equipment, including [[TACAN]] and a [[Doppler radar]] in undernose bulge. Powered by an Atar 09C-3 turbojet engine.<ref name="WAPJ14 p126-7">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, pp. 126–127.</ref> 183 built for the French Air Force.<ref name="WAPJ16 p98">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 98.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIEA''' : Mirage IIIE for the Argentine Air Force. 17 built.<ref name="WAPJ16 p91"/>
* '''Mirage IIIEBR''' : Mirage IIIE for the Brazilian Air Force; 16 built, locally designated F-103E.<ref name="WAPJ16 p96"/>
* '''Mirage IIIEBR-2''' : Refurbished and updated aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force, with canard foreplanes. Four ex-French aircraft sold to Brazil in 1988, with surviving Mirage IIIEBRs upgraded to same standard.<ref name="WAPJ16 p96"/>
* '''Mirage IIIEE''' : Mirage IIIE for the Spanish Air Force, locally designated C.11. 24 delivered from 1970.<ref name="mca24 p55-6">Jackson 1985, pp. 55–56.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIEL''' : Mirage IIIE for the Lebanese Air Force, omitting doppler radar, including HF antenna. 10 delivered from 1967 to 1969.<ref name="WAPJ14 p127">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 127.</ref><ref name="mca24 p53">Jackson 1985, p. 53.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIEP''' : Mirage IIIE for the Pakistan Air Force. 18 delivered 1967–1969.<ref name="WAPJ16 p111"/>
* '''Mirage IIIEV''' : Mirage IIIE for the Venezuelan Air Force, omitting doppler radar. Seven built. Survivors upgraded to Mirage 50EV standard.<ref name="WAPJ16 p118">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, p. 116.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIEZ''' : Mirage IIIE for the South African Air Force; 17 delivered 1965–1972.<ref name="WAPJ16 p113"/>
;Mirage IIIO: Single-seat all-weather fighter-bomber aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force. Single prototype powered by {{convert|53.68|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} dry thrust and {{convert|71.17|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} [[Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.67]] turbojet engine, but order placed for aircraft based on Mirage IIIE, powered by Atar engine in March 1961. 100 aircraft built, of which 98 were built under licence in Australia. The first 49 were Mirage IIIO(F) interceptors which were followed by 51 Mirage IIIO(A) fighter-bombers, with survivors brought up to a common standard later.<ref name="WAPJ14 p132">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, p. 132.</ref>
[[File:Dassault Mirage IIIR.jpg|thumb|French Mirage IIIR]]
;Mirage IIIR: Single-seat all-weather reconnaissance aircraft, with radar replaced by camera nose carrying up to five cameras. Aircraft based on IIIE airframe but with simpler avionics similar to that fitted to the IIIC and retaining cannon armament of fighters. Two prototypes and 50 production aircraft built for the French Air Force.<ref name="WAPJ14 p132-3">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, pp. 132–133.</ref><ref name="MCA23 p25,7">Jackson 1985, pp. 25, 27.</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIRD''' : Single-seat all-weather reconnaissance aircraft for the French Air Force, equipped with improved avionics, including undernose doppler radar as in the Mirage IIIE. Provision to carry [[infrared linescan]], Doppler navigation radar or [[side looking airborne radar]] (SLAR) in interchangeable pod. 20 built.<ref name="WAPJ14 p132-3"/><ref name="MCA23 p25,7"/>
* '''Mirage IIIRJ''' : Single-seat all-weather reconnaissance aircraft of the Israeli Air Force. Two Mirage IIICJs converted into reconnaissance aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=December 2021}}
* '''Mirage IIIRP''' : Export version of the Mirage IIIR for the Pakistan Air Force; 3 built<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=146}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIRP2''' : Export version of the Mirage IIIR for the Pakistan Air Force, with provision to carry the infrared linescan pod; 10 built.<ref name="auto1"/>
* '''Mirage IIIRS''' : Export version of the Mirage IIIR for the Swiss Air Force; 18 built<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=84}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIRZ''' : Export version of the Mirage IIIR for the South African Air Force; four built.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=120}}</ref>
* '''Mirage IIIR2Z''' : Export version of the Mirage IIIR for the South African Air Force, fitted with an Atar 9K-50 turbojet engine; four built.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=120–123}}</ref>

[[File:Mirage III MG 1487.jpg|thumb|upright|The belly of a Mirage IIIS]]
;Mirage IIIS: Single-seat all-weather interceptor fighter aircraft for the Swiss Air Force, based on the IIIE, but fitted with a Hughes TARAN 18 radar and fire-control system and armed with AIM-4 Falcon and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Built under licence in Switzerland; 36 built.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=84–88}}</ref>
;Mirage IIIT: One aircraft converted into an engine testbed, initially fitted with a subsonic {{convert|10500|-|13890|lbf|kN|order=flip|abbr=on}} [[Pratt & Whitney/SNECMA TF104]], but retrofitted with a supersonic {{convert|11680|-|16755|lbf|kN|order=flip|abbr=on}} [[Pratt & Whitney/SNECMA TF106]] turbofan engine.<ref>Brindley 1971, pp. 178–179.</ref>
;Mirage IIIEX: Proposed version, first flight April 8th 1988, fitted with updated avionics, powered by an Atar 9K-50 turbojet engine. Unlike the Mirage IIING, it featured the full forward fuselage of the Mirage F1, including the radome, cockpit, and all the way back to the intakes, and the canards by comparison were located further aft on the intakes. It did not use the unique leading edge root extensions of the earlier Mirage IIING, but instead featured strakes under the canopy area.

A total of 1,403 Mirage III/5/50 aircraft of all types were built by Dassault.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=10}}</ref> There were a few unbuilt variants:
* A ''Mirage IIIK'' that was powered by a [[Rolls-Royce Spey]] turbofan was offered to the British [[Royal Air Force]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* The ''Mirage IIIM'' was a carrier-based variant, with catapult spool and [[arresting hook]], for operation with the French ''[[Aéronavale]]''.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}
* The ''Mirage IIIW'' was a lightweight fighter version, proposed for a US competition, with Dassault partnered with [[Boeing]]. The aircraft would have been produced by Boeing, but it lost to the [[Northrop F-5]].<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=356}}</ref>

===Derivatives===

====Mirage 5/Mirage 50====
{{main|Dassault Mirage 5}}
The next major variant, the ''Mirage 5'', grew out of a request to Dassault from the Israeli Air Force. The first Mirage 5 flew on 19 May 1967. It looked much like the Mirage III, except it had a long slender nose that extended the aircraft's length by about half a meter. The Mirage 5 itself led directly to the Israeli Nesher, either through a [[Mossad]] (Israeli intelligence) intelligence operation or through covert cooperation with AdA, depending upon which story is accepted. (See details in the ''Nesher'' article). In either case, the design gave rise to the Kfir, which can be considered a direct descendant of the ''Mirage III''.

====Milan====
In 1968, Dassault, in cooperation with the Swiss, began work on a Mirage update known as the '''Milan''' ("[[Kite (bird)|Kite]]"). The main feature of the ''Milan'' was a pair of pop-out foreplanes in the nose, which were referred to as "''moustaches''". The moustaches were intended to provide better take-off performance and low-speed control for the attack role. The three initial prototypes were converted from existing Mirage fighters; one of these prototypes was nicknamed "[[Asterix]]", after the internationally popular French cartoon character, a tough little Gallic warrior with a huge moustache.<ref name = "prof 178">Brindley 1971, p. 178.</ref>

A fully equipped prototype rebuilt from a ''Mirage IIIR'' flew in May 1970, and was powered by the uprated {{convert|70.6|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} afterburning thrust [[SNECMA Atar 09K-50]] engine, following the evaluation of an earlier model of this new series on the one-off ''Mirage IIIC2''. The Milan also had updated avionics, including a laser designator and rangefinder in the nose. A second fully equipped prototype was produced for Swiss evaluation as the ''Milan S''. The canards did provide significant handling benefits, but they had drawbacks. They blocked the pilot's forward view to an extent, and set up turbulence in the engine intakes. The Milan concept was abandoned in 1972, while work continued on achieving the same goals with canards.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

====Mirage IIING====
[[File:Dassault Mirage IIING, France - Air Force AN1242270.jpg|thumb|Mirage IIING]]

Following the development of the Mirage 50, Dassault had experimented with yet another derivative of the original Mirage series, named the ''Mirage IIING'' (''Nouvelle Génération'', new generation). Like the Milan and Mirage 50, the IIING was powered by the Atar 9K-50 engine. The prototype, a conversion of a Mirage IIIR, flew on 21 December 1982.<ref name="WAPJ15 p104">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 15, p. 104.</ref>

The Mirage IIING had a modified delta wing with leading-edge root extensions, plus a pair of fixed canards fitted above and behind the air intakes. The aircraft's avionics were completely modernized, making use of the parallel development effort underway for the next-generation [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]] fighter. Chiefly amongst these changes, the Mirage IIING used a fly-by-wire system to allow control over the aircraft's [[relaxed stability]]. The aircraft had an improved nav/attack system with inertial navigation and a head-up display. A variety of radars could be fitted, including the Cyrano IV and Agave and these could be supplemented by a laser rangefinder. The uprated engine and aerodynamics improved take-off and sustained turn performance.<ref name="WAPJ15 p1045">Jackson ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 15, pp. 104–105.</ref><ref name="jawa84p612">Taylor 1984, pp. 61–62.</ref>

Ultimately, the type never went into production, but to an extent the Mirage IIING was a demonstrator for various technologies that could be and were featured in upgrades to existing Mirage IIIs and Mirage 5s. After 1989, enhancements derived from the Mirage IIING were incorporated into Brazilian Mirage IIIEs, as well as into four ex-''Armée de l'Air'' Mirage IIIEs that were transferred to Brazil in 1988. In 1989, Dassault offered a similar upgrade refit of ex-AdA Mirage IIIEs under the designation ''Mirage IIIEX'', featuring canards, a fixed in-flight refueling probe, a longer nose, new avionics, and other refinements.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

====Balzac / Mirage IIIV====
{{main|Dassault Mirage IIIV|Dassault Balzac V}}
One of the offshoots of the Mirage III/5/50 fighter family tree was the ''Mirage IIIV'' vertical take-off and landing ([[VTOL]]) fighter. ("IIIV" is read "three-vee," not "three-five").<ref name = "prof 179">Brindley 1971, pp. 179.</ref> This aircraft featured eight small vertical [[lift jet]]s straddling the main engine. The Mirage IIIV was built in response to a mid-1960s [[NATO]] specification for a VTOL strike fighter. It used eight RB.162-31 lift engines(generating 5,400&nbsp;lb thrust each), long-stroke landing gears, and additional covers to reduce impact of the lift engine exhausts. The main engine was a SNECMA TF-104 turbojet.<ref name="Mirage III fighter jet family, AirForceWorld.com">{{cite news |url=http://airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/mirage3.htm |access-date=26 August 2013 |title=Mirage III fighter jet family, AirForceWorld.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919185000/http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/mirage3.htm |archive-date=19 September 2013 }}</ref>

====Mirage III ROSE====
{{main|Project ROSE}}

Project ROSE (Retrofit Of Strike Element) was an upgrade programme launched by the Pakistan Air Force to upgrade old Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 aircraft with modern avionics. In the early 1990s, the PAF procured 50 ex-Australian Mirage III fighters, 33 of which were selected after an inspection to undergo upgrades. In the first phases of Project ROSE, the ex-Australian Mirage III fighters were fitted with new defensive systems and cockpits, which included new HUDs, MFDs, RWRs, HOTAS controls, radar altimeters and navigation/attack systems. They were also fitted with the FIAR Grifo M3 multi-mode radar and designated ''ROSE I''. Around 34 Mirage 5 attack fighters also underwent upgrades designated ''ROSE II'' and ''ROSE III'' before Project ROSE was completed.

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for operators of the Mirage III and its variants only. Please do not add entries into this list regarding operators of the related Mirage 5, Mirage 50, Kfir and their variants. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:Dassault Mirage III Operators.png|400px|thumbnail|Mirage III operators; {{legend|#3f48cc|Current}}{{legend|#ee0010|Former}}]]
{{main|List of Dassault Mirage III operators}}

===Military operators===

====Current====

* {{PAK}}: 87<ref name="trade" /><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|title=World Air Forces 2021|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/world-air-forces-2021|access-date=2021-09-02|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>
** [[Combat Commanders' School]], [[PAF Base Mushaf]], Mirage IIIO ROSE I
** [[5 Squadron (PAF)|5 Squadron]], [[PAF Base Mushaf]], Mirage IIIEP, IIIDP, IIIRP - (1968–2010)
** [[No. 7 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|7 Squadron]], [[PAF Base Masroor]], Mirage IIIO ROSE I, IIIDP
** 20 Squadron, [[PAF Base Mushaf]], Mirage IIIRP - (1977–1988)
** 22 Squadron, [[PAF Base Masroor]], Mirage IIIEL, IIIBL, IIID 
** around 48 aircraft are retired (out of service)

====Former====
* {{FRA}}: 348<ref name="Mirage III"/>
* {{ARG}}: 43<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=242,249}}</ref>
* {{AUS}}: 116<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3.htm |title=ADF Serials – Mirage III |access-date=19 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120800/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3.htm |archive-date=19 January 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{BRA}}: 32<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=230}}</ref>
* {{ESP}}: 31<ref name="auto"/>
* {{flaglist|Israel}}: 76<ref name=trade/>
* {{LBN}}: 12<ref name=trade/>
* {{flag|South Africa|1928}}: 58<ref name=trade/>
* {{flaglist|Switzerland}}: 60<ref name=trade/>
* {{VEN}}: 7<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=278}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
{{More citations needed section|date=June 2021}}

===Argentina===
;Mirage IIICJ
* C-715 – Argentine Air Force – Liceo Militar Aeronáutico, Funes, [[Santa Fe province]]<ref name=M3CARG/>
* C-716 – Argentine Air Force – El Plumerillo Military Air Base, [[Mendoza province]]<ref name=M3CARG/>
* C-718 – Argentine Air Force – [[Museo Interfuerzas de Estancia San Romana]], [[San Luis province]]<ref name=M3CARG>{{cite web|url=http://www.amilarg.com.ar/miiic-b.html|title=Dassault Mirage IIIBJ y CJ|access-date=11 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160055/http://www.amilarg.com.ar/miiic-b.html|archive-date=12 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* C-721 – Argentine Air Force – [[Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires province]]
;Mirage IIIDA
* I-002 – Argentine Air Force – [[Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires province]]
;Mirage IIIEA
* I-011 – Argentine Air Force – [[Museo Nacional de Aeronáutica de Argentina]], [[Buenos Aires province]]

===Australia===
[[File:A3-42 in August 2020.jpg|thumb|A3-42 on display at the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society in 2020]]
Information from:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3.htm|title=RAAF A3 Dassault / Government Aircraft Factory: Mirage IIIO/D|publisher=ADF-SERIALS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119120800/http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a3.htm|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
;Mirage IIIO(F)
* A3-3 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Fighter World]], [[RAAF Base Williamtown]], [[New South Wales]]
* A3-8 – Royal Australian Air Force – nose section at Classic Jets Fighter Museum, [[Parafield Airport]], [[South Australia]]
* A3-16 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Queensland Air Museum]], [[Caloundra Airport]]
* A3-36 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Australian Aviation Heritage Centre]], [[Darwin, Northern Territory]]
* A3-41 – Royal Australian Air Force – gate guard at [[RAAF Base Wagga]], New South Wales
* A3-42 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Historical Aircraft Restoration Society]], [[Illawarra Regional Airport]], New South Wales, to be restored to flying condition with Mach 1 capability.
* A3-44 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Australian Aviation Museum]], [[Bankstown Airport]], New South Wales
* A3-45 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[Australian National Aviation Museum]], [[Moorabbin Airport]], [[Victoria, Australia|Victoria]]

;Mirage IIIO(A)
* A3-51 – Royal Australian Air Force – [[RAAF Museum]], [[Point Cook]], Victoria
* A3-55 – Royal Australian Air Force – Aviation Heritage Centre, [[RAAF Base Amberley]], [[Queensland]]
* A3-72 – Royal Australian Air Force – RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Victoria
* A3-90 – Royal Australian Air Force – Fighter World, RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales (tail fin only)
* A3-92 – Royal Australian Air Force – RAAF Museum, Point Cook, Victoria
* A3-97 – Royal Australian Air Force – cockpit at Fighter World, RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales

;Mirage IIID
* A3-102 – Royal Australian Air Force – Fighter World, RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales
* A3-115 – Royal Australian Air Force – Formerly gate guard at [[RAAF Base Edinburgh]], South Australia, now an exhibit at the [[South Australian Aviation Museum]], [[Port Adelaide, South Australia]].
* A3-116 – Royal Australian Air Force – tail section at No 331 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, [[Coffs Harbour]], New South Wales

===Brazil===
;Mirage IIIEBR
* FAB-4927 – Brazilian Air Force – [[Parque de Material Aeronáutico de São Paulo (PAMA-SP)]], [[São Paulo]]<ref>[http://www.aereo.jor.br/2012/05/02/cade-aquele-f-5b-que-estava-aqui-o-mirage-comeu/ "Mirage IIIE"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909190941/http://www.aereo.jor.br/2012/05/02/cade-aquele-f-5b-que-estava-aqui-o-mirage-comeu/ |date=9 September 2017 }}. Retrieved: 6 September 2017.</ref>

===France===
;Mirage IIIA
* A-02 – [[Institut supérieur de l'aéronautique et de l'espace|ISAE-SUPAERO]], [[Toulouse]]
;Mirage IIIC
* The 4th production Mirage IIIC – Musee de l'Aéronautique, [[Savigny-lès-Beaune]]
* #27 – [[Aeroscopia]] Museum, [[Blagnac]]<ref name="MIIIC_AA">{{cite web |title=Mirage IIIC in Ailes Anciennes |url=https://aatlse.org/en/appareils/mirage-iiic-alu/ |website=Ailes Anciennes}}</ref>
* Unmarked – Ailes Anciennes, [[Blagnac]]<ref name="MIIIC_AA" />
;Mirage IIIE
* #491 – Ailes Anciennes, [[Blagnac]]<ref name="MIIIE_AA">{{cite web |title=Mirage IIIE in Ailes Anciennes |url=https://aatlse.org/en/appareils/mirage-iiie-2/ |website=Ailes Anciennes}}</ref>
;Mirage IIIEX
* #467 - European Fighter Aircraft Museum (Montélimar) <ref name="EFAM">{{cite web |title=GPP 2021: Dassault Mirage IIIEX |url=https://www.aerovfr.com/2021/12/gpp-2021-dassault-mirage-iiiex/ |website=aerovfr}}</ref>

===Spain===

;Mirage IIIEE
* #111-04 - [[Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe]], [[Valencia]]

===United Kingdom===
;Mirage IIIE
* #538 - [[Yorkshire Air Museum]], [[Elvington, North Yorkshire|Elvington]]

==Specifications (Mirage IIIE)==
[[File:Dassault Mirage III line drawing.svg|thumb|Four-view drawing of Mirage IIIC]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft<ref name="Donaldworld p125">Donald and Lake 1996, p. 125.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length m=15.03
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note=
|span m=8.22
|span ft=
|span in=
|span note=
|height m=4.5
|height ft=
|height in=
|height note=
|wing area sqm=34.85
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=7050
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=9600
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=13700
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[SNECMA Atar 09C]]
|eng1 type=afterburning turbojet engine
|eng1 kn=41.97
|eng1 kn-ab=60.8

|eng2 number=1
|eng2 name=[[SEPR 841]]
|eng2 type=liquid-fuelled rocket engine
|eng2 kn=14.7

<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=2350
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed mach= 2.2
|max speed note= at {{convert|12,000|m|abbr=on}}
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=
|combat range km=1200
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=3335
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=17000
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=83
|climb rate ftmin=16400
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=56.4
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 2 × {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on|3}} [[DEFA 552]] cannon with 125 rounds per gun
|bombs={{convert|4000|kg|abbr=on}} of payload on five external [[hardpoint]]s, including a variety of bombs, reconnaissance pods or [[Drop tank]]s; French Air Force IIIEs through to 1991 were equipped to carry the [[AN-52 bomb|AN-52]] nuclear bomb.
|rockets= 2 × [[Matra JL-100]] drop tank/rocket pack, each with 19× {{convert|68|mm|abbr=on}} [[SNEB]] rockets and {{convert|250|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} of fuel
|missiles= 2 × [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] [[Air to Air missile]]s (AAM) ''or''
** 2 × [[Matra R.550 Magic]] AAMs plus 1× [[Matra R.530]] AAM
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=*[[Thomson-CSF Cyrano II]] radar
* Marconi continuous-wave Doppler navigation radar
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{Aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[Atlas Cheetah]]
* [[Dassault Mirage IV]]
* [[Dassault Mirage 5]]
* [[Dassault Mirage IIIV]]
* [[Dassault Mirage 2000]]
* [[IAI Kfir]]
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* {{lwc|Convair F-102 Delta Dagger}}
* {{lwc|Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21}} / {{lwc|Chengdu J-7}}
* {{lwc|Saab 35 Draken}}
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of France]]
}}
Record setting pilots
* [[Jacqueline Auriol]]

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* Atlejees, Leephy. ''Armscor'' Film by Armscor, SABC and Leephy Atlejees. Public broadcast by SABC Television, 1972, rebroadcast: 1982, 1984.
* Baker, Nigel and Tom Cooper. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140726102431/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_274.shtml "Middle East Database: Dassault Mirage III & Mirage 5/Nesher in Israeli Service".]}} ''www.acig.org'', Air Combat Information Group Journal (ACIG), 26 September 2003. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.
* Breffort, Dominique and Andre Jouineau. "The Mirage III, 5, 50 and derivatives from 1955 to 2000." ''Planes and Pilots 6''. Paris: Histoire et Collections, 2004. {{ISBN|2-913903-92-4}}.
* Brindley, John. ''Aircraft Profile Volume 230: Dassault Mirage Variants.'' Windsor, Berkshire: Profile Publications Ltd., 1971.
* Carbonel, Jean-Christophe. ''French Secret Projects 1: Post War Fighters''. Manchester, UK: Crecy Publishing, 2016. {{ISBN|978-1-91080-900-6}}.
* "Cheetah: Fighter Technologies". Archimedes 12. June 1987.
* {{cite book |last1=Chenel |first1=Bernard |last2=Liébert |first2=Michel |last3=Moreau |first3=Eric |title=Mirage III/5/50 en service à l'étranger |date=2014 |publisher=Editions LELA Presse |location=Le Vigen, France |isbn=978-2-914017-76-3}}
* Cooper, Tom. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100707094312/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_263.shtml "Middle East Database: War of Attrition, 1969–1970."]}} ''www.acig.org'', Air Combat Information Group Journal (ACIG), 24 September 2003. Retrieved: 1 March 2009.
* "The Designer of the B-1 Bomber's Airframe". ''Wings'' Magazine, Vol. 30/No 4, August 2000, p.&nbsp;48.
* Donald, David and Jon Lake, eds. ''Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft''. Westport, Connecticut, USA: AIRtime Publishing, 1996. {{ISBN|1-880588-24-2}}.
* {{Cite book|editor-last=Eden|editor-first=Paul|title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft|date=July 2006 |location=London|publisher=Amber Books, 2004|isbn=1-904687-84-9|ref={{harvid|Eden|2004}}}}
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Complete Book of Fighters''. New York: Smithmark Books, 1994, {{ISBN|0-8317-3939-8}}.
* Gunston, W. T. ''Early Supersonic Fighters of the West.'' Ian Allan Ltd., 1976. {{ISBN|9780684144917}}.
* Jackson, Paul. "Mirage III/5/50 Variant Briefing: Part 1: Dassault's Delta". ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 14, Autumn/Fall 1993, pp.&nbsp;112–137. London: Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|1-874023-32-8}}. {{ISSN|0959-7050}}.
* Jackson, Paul. "Mirage III/5/50 Variant Briefing: Part 2: Fives, Fifties, Foreigners and Facelifts". ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 15, Winter 1993, pp.&nbsp;100–119. London:Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|1-874023-34-4}}. {{ISSN|0959-7050}}.
* Jackson, Paul. "Mirage III/5/50 Variant Briefing: Part 3: The Operators". ''World Air Power Journal'' Volume 16, Spring 1994, pp.&nbsp;90–119. London: Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|1-874023-36-0}}. {{ISSN|0959-7050}}.
* Jackson, Paul. ''Modern Combat Aircraft 23: Mirage''. Shepperton, UK: Ian Allan, 1985. {{ISBN|0-7110-1512-0}}.
* Lake, Jon. "Atlas Cheetah". ''World Air Power Journal'' 27: 42–53, Winter 1966.
*{{cite magazine|last=Mafé Huertas|first=Salvador|title=Spain's First 'Flat-Irons': The Mirage III Era |magazine=[[Air Enthusiast]] |date=Spring 1994|issue=53 |pages=32–39 |issn=0143-5450}}
* Pérez San Emeterio, Carlos. ''Mirage: Espejismo de la técnica y de la política'' (in Spanish). Madrid: Armas 30. Editorial San Martin, 1978. {{ISBN|84-7140-158-4}}.
* Rogers, Mike. ''VTOL Military Research Aircraft''. London: Foulis, 1989. {{ISBN|0-85429-675-1}}.
* Schürmann, Roman. ''Helvetische Jäger. Dramen und Skandale am Militärhimmel'' (in German). Zürich: [[Rotpunktverlag]], 2009. {{ISBN|978-3-85869-406-5}}.
* Smith, G. Geoffrey. ''Gas Turbines and Jet Propulsion: Sixth Edition''. Iliffe & Sons Ltd., 1955.
* [[John W. R. Taylor|Taylor, John W. R.]] (ed.) ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1984–85'' London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1984. {{ISBN|0-7106-0801-2}}. 
* Wheeler, Barry C. ''The Hamlyn Guide to Military Aircraft Markings.'' London: Chancellor Press, 1992. {{ISBN|1-85152-582-3}}.
* Wood, Derek. ''Project Cancelled''. Macdonald and Jane's Publishers, 1975. {{ISBN|0-356-08109-5}}.
{{vectorsite}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book |last=Breffort |first=Dominique |author2=Jouineau, Andre |year=2004 |publisher=Histoire et Collections, Paris |title=The Mirage III, 5, 50 and derivatives from 1955 to 2000 |series=Planes and Pilots 6 |isbn=2-913903-92-4}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Dildy |first1=Douglas |last2=Calcaterra |first2=Pablo |title=Sea Harrier FRS 1 vs Mirage III/Dagger - South Atlantic 1982 |year=2017 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |series=Duel |volume=81 |language=en |isbn=978-1-4728-1889-8 |location=Oxford, Great Britain |url=https://ospreypublishing.com/sea-harrier-fsr-1-vs-mirage-iii-dagger |access-date=16 December 2018 }}
*{{cite journal |last1=Lewis |first1=Peter |title=Where Falcons Dare: The Mirage IIIRS & Fliegerstaffel 10 |journal=The Aviation Historian |date=2019 |issue=28 |pages=40–51 |issn=2051-1930}}
*{{cite journal |last1=Moreau|first1=Eric|title="Mirage" IIIC: quinze ans de service dans l'Armée de l'Air|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=November 1976 |issue=84 |pages=8–13 |issn=0757-4169 |language=fr|trans-title=Mirage IIIC: 15 Years in the Service of the French Air Force}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Dassault Mirage IIICJ IIIEA |year=2002 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Fuerza Aérea |volume=7 |language=es |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url=https://archive.org/details/MirageIIICJIIIEA |access-date=30 November 2018 }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Dassault Mirage IIICJ & IIIEA |year=2008 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Fuerza Aérea |volume=15 |language=es |isbn=978-987-20557-3-8 |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Dassault Mirage IIICJ/BJ & EA/DA |year=2013 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Fuerza Aérea |volume=23 |language=es |isbn=978-987-1682-21-8 |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url=http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-dassault-mirage-iiicjbj-iiieada-serie-fuerza-aerea-no23 |access-date=24 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827091644/http://www.fuerzasaeronavales.com/?product=libro-dassault-mirage-iiicjbj-iiieada-serie-fuerza-aerea-no23 |archive-date=27 August 2014 }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Rivas |first1=Santiago |last2=Cicalesi |first2=Juan Carlos |title=Latin American Mirages – Mirage III/5/F.1/2000 in Service with South American Air Arms |year=2010 |publisher=Harpia Publishing|language=en |isbn=978-0-9825539-4-7 |location=Houston, TX, USA }}
* {{Cite book |last1=Núñez Padin |first1=Jorge Felix |title=Dassault Mirage |year=2015 |editor-first=Jorge Felix |editor-last=Núñez Padin |publisher=Fuerzas Aeronavales |series=Serie Fuerza Aérea |volume=27 |language=es |isbn=978-987-1682461 |location=Bahía Blanca, Argentina |url=https://www.aviationmegastore.com/dassault-mirage-9789871682461-padin-9789871682461-south-america/product/?action=prodinfo&art=154572 |access-date=30 November 2018 }}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.pac.org.pk/mirageIII Mirage-III MRO at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)]
* [http://milavia.net/specials/fab_mirage/index.htm The History of the Dassault Mirage III in Brazil (with pictures) – Milavia.net]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20061215203054/http://www.vectorsite.net/avmir3.html The Dassault Mirage III/5/50 Series from Greg Goebel's AIR VECTORS]}}
* [https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mirage-5.htm Mirage III/5/50 at FAS.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080505102913/http://www.mirageargentina.com.ar/ Mirage Argentina, el sitio de los Deltas argentinos – details, side views, and pictures of Argentine mirages ''(in Spanish)''. Retrieved: 17 May 2008],
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100429135322/http://www.lw.admin.ch/internet/luftwaffe/de/home/themen/history/mittelaus.html Ausgemusterte Mittel - Flugzeuge, Helikopter, Flab] Official Page of the Swiss Air Force in German (more detailed than English version)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130919185000/http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/mirage3.htm Mirage III fighter jet family, AirForceWorld.com]

{{Dassault Mirage family}}
{{Dassault aircraft}}
{{ADF aircraft designations}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}
{{Spanish fighters}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dassault Mirage Iii}}
[[Category:Tailless delta-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:1950s French fighter aircraft|Dassault Mirage 3]]
[[Category:Dassault aircraft|Mirage III]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1956]]
[[Category:Supersonic aircraft]]
[[Category:Second-generation jet fighters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]