The Indian Ministry of Defence has formally requested the transfer of nine decommissioned Jaguar aircraft from the United Kingdom, along with a cache of spare parts, to address attrition within the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Jaguars, currently deployed across six squadrons, play a vital role in the IAF's deep penetration strike and tactical reconnaissance capabilities, with some modified for maritime operations with anti-ship missiles.
The IAF is specifically seeking five single-seater GR-1 and four twin-seat T-2 variants, along with approximately 150 different types of spare parts. If the deal is finalized, facilitated by the UK's Defence Equipment Sales Authority, these assets will be shipped to Air Force Station Ambala, home to two Jaguar squadrons.
This move follows a similar acquisition of 31 decommissioned airframes, engines, and spares from France, as part of an offset agreement in the Rafale fighter jet deal. These French airframes were primarily intended for cannibalization to maintain squadron serviceability.
The Jaguar, no longer in production, is exclusively operated by the IAF, as other users like France, the UK, Oman, Nigeria, and Ecuador have retired their fleets. India initially imported 40 aircraft from the UK in 1979, followed by licensed production of 150 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. While the IAF currently has about 115 Jaguars in service, reports suggest serviceability challenges due to obsolescence and spare parts availability.
To address these concerns, the IAF has embarked on a modernization program over the past decade. This includes equipping the Jaguar with the DARIN-III advanced navigation and attack avionics suite and initiating a project to integrate new-generation close combat air-to-air missiles, transport platforms, cruise missiles, and UAVs. These upgrades aim to extend the operational lifespan of the Jaguar fleet for an estimated 15 more years.
While the acquisition of decommissioned Jaguars provides a temporary solution to attrition and spare parts shortages, it underscores the need for the IAF to accelerate its modernization efforts and transition to newer platforms to maintain its operational capabilities in the long term.
