India, the only country that still operates the Cold War-era Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar fighter fleet even as it struggles with a shortage of fighter squadrons, will receive a large number of the legacy aircraft from the UK in the next few months.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), which has been keeping the fleet airborne even as spare parts for the jets are no longer readily available because all other operators have already retired their Jaguar fighters, will use the aircraft for spares and components to continue keeping the fleet in service.
India has been sourcing retired Jaguar aircraft from France, Oman and the UK to support its existing fleet.
According to a report by Janes, quoting sources in the UK ministry of defence (MoD), the country has already begun delivering the airframes to the IAF.
"These comprise a mix of single-seat GR3/GR3A and twin-seat T4 variants from the UK's out-of-service fleet," the source was quoted as saying, adding that they are not in an airworthy condition.
A few weeks ago, UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard said in the UK Parliament that India had received nine retired Jaguar aircraft since January 1, including five single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer variants.
Pollard also stated that the UK defence ministry still holds 42 retired Jaguar aircraft.
A spokesperson for the UK MoD confirmed that the transfer process is still underway.
The spokesperson said several aircraft have already been delivered to India, while the remaining Jaguars will be dismantled before being transported in batches over the next few months.
