As the Indian Air Force (IAF) grapples with a shortage of fighter squadrons, India is set to receive nine retired SEPECAT Jaguar fighter aircraft from the United Kingdom to help sustain its ageing Jaguar fleet.
India is currently the only remaining operator of the Jaguar. The twin-engine combat aircraft is no longer in production as all the other countries have retired them over the years.
The retired aircraft that India would receive from the UK will be used for cannibalisation, allowing the IAF to get the spare parts and sub-assemblies required to keep its existing fleet operational.
The IAF has estimated that a substantial number of its remaining fleet of around 120 Jaguars will remain in service until 2030-32.
According to media reports, three former Royal Air Force (RAF) Jaguars, wrapped in protective white coverings, were recently spotted at a British port awaiting shipment to India.
This is not the first time India has sourced retired Jaguars from foreign operators. Over the years, the IAF has acquired retired aircraft from France, Oman and the UK to obtain airframes and spare parts. France is reported to have supplied 31 retired Jaguar airframes, while Oman provided more than 20 aircraft.
According to a report by The Wire, the UK had previously delivered two twin-seat Jaguar airframes and 619 lines of rotables that could be restored to a serviceable condition.
India had earlier explored a programme to re-engine the Jaguars with Honeywell's F-125IN turbofan engines. However, the proposal did not move forward due to rising costs.
The Jaguars in India’s inventory have undergone extensive upgrades to improve their combat capability. Under the DARIN III upgrade programme led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft have been equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, an Engine and Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and an advanced Head-Up Display (HUD).
The arrival of the retired aircraft is expected to provide a fresh source of critical spares and help extend the operational life of one of the IAF's longest-serving fighter platforms.
