Jaguar's Unique Low-Altitude Capabilities Stealthier Than F-22 Raptor, IAF Should Extend its Life Beyond 2035: Retired Pilot

A recent expert review article in EurasianTimes by retired IAF Jaguar pilot Vijainder K Thakur makes a compelling case for extending the service life of the Jaguar strike aircraft beyond its planned 2035 retirement.

Thakur argues that phasing out this versatile aircraft, known for its low-altitude, long-range capabilities and potent armament, could significantly impact the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational readiness.

The Jaguar's unique ability to fly at low altitudes, rendering it stealthier than even an F-22 Raptor under certain conditions, makes it an invaluable asset, particularly in light of modern air defence systems' increased capabilities, as highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Thakur proposes implementing Service Life Extension Programs (SLEP) to reinforce the airframe and extend its lifespan. While acknowledging the challenge for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) without the original equipment manufacturer's support, he suggests retrofitting the aircraft with a reheat variant of the under-development HTFE-25 engine or upgrading the existing Adour Mk.811 engines to a more powerful variant, enhancing the Jaguar's performance and range.

The DARIN upgrades, particularly DARIN-3, have transformed the Jaguar into a potent platform with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and the ability to integrate sophisticated weaponry like the RAMPAGE and SAAW missiles. These upgrades, along with the restoration of in-flight refueling capabilities, have significantly enhanced the Jaguar's combat capabilities and its integration into the IAF's network-centric warfare framework.

Thakur's arguments emphasize the need to weigh the economic considerations of extending the Jaguar's service life against the operational advantages. The DARIN-3 Jaguar stands as a testament to indigenous capabilities, showcasing how the focus in modern aerial warfare has shifted towards avionics and weapon systems.

With careful planning and strategic upgrades, the Jaguar can remain a relevant and potent force well beyond 2035, ensuring the IAF maintains a critical operational edge in an ever-evolving security landscape.

 

[PKPRS]

Absolutely, why not prolong MIG-21’s life also and may be even Marut.

 

[sanket]

why not Fast Track MRFA Instead of Extending Life of old Fighter jets & showing Interest in old Mirage-2000 , Investing money in new Tech will definitely give good returns in Long term rather than extending life of older platform for shorter period

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

Give this Jaguar re-engineing and airframe life extensions program to Honeywell completely and let, HAL develop a twin-engines New_Marut-HF42-TEF based on RD33MK Sea Wasp twin engines made in India by HAL Khoraput factory! Improve and optimize the designs for low level tree-top bomber roles at mach 1+ speeds...

 

[tipoo2]

A Jaguar's stealth profile...Exceeds that of an F22? Well that's all I need to know this is rubbish

There's no way. These are old largely metal jets made before radar return shaping was a consideration. Flying close to the ground can make it hard for over the horizon radars to track you, but makes you vulnerable to man portable systems.

Some of these upgrade programs like the Mirage 2000 one cost half as much as an F35 for realistically 1/10th the effect. Not that we have that on the table (but I'd hope to), but I have to wonder if some of these upgrades cost a similar 40 million each, would that not be better put to replacing it with a Tejas MK2 by 2035. I think we're often 'penny wise and pound foolish' with this stuff, keeping things going long after they're worth it instead of putting those upgrade funds towards brand new jets, our own jets that save 70% of the forex at least.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We will need them till 2040 atleast. HTFE-25 is progressing at snails pace, not sure if it is shevled.

 

[Praveen]

A Jaguar's stealth profile...Exceeds that of an F22? Well that's all I need to know this is rubbish

There's no way. These are old largely metal jets made before radar return shaping was a consideration. Flying close to the ground can make it hard for over the horizon radars to track you, but makes you vulnerable to man portable systems.

Some of these upgrade programs like the Mirage 2000 one cost half as much as an F35 for realistically 1/10th the effect. Not that we have that on the table (but I'd hope to), but I have to wonder if some of these upgrades cost a similar 40 million each, would that not be better put to replacing it with a Tejas MK2 by 2035. I think we're often 'penny wise and pound foolish' with this stuff, keeping things going long after they're worth it instead of putting those upgrade funds towards brand new jets, our own jets that save 70% of the forex at least.

The pilot is talking from his perspective. If an aircraft is flying at very low altitude , which is not possible in delta wing aircrafts such as Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000 as they are designed for high speed, the aircraft will be invisible to ground based radars even if it is an aesa radar. And if flying few meters above dense jungles It will also be invisible to aew&cs aircrafts also. This can only be achieved currently by jaguars remaining in IAF. But I suggest it is better to retire these junks anyway, there is not much hardpoints available for mounting weapons. If possible better get ToT for Yak-130 along with its light fighter variant or its NATO equivalent M-346. Oh by the way don't buy radars , mission computers, and other stuff, just transfer from Tejas to this aircraft. Just the tech about airframe, engine, fly-by-wire system is enough. It will save enormous cost and time. IAF is very much needed advanced Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft. Manufacturing this in large quantities can help fulfill this process.
both m-346 and Yak-130 are one and the same. Both have collaborated on this aircraft before but the sanctions have made them into one aircraft but two designations. Waiting for HLFT-42 to be manufactured is going to take one eternity for HAL. All the current Airforce Personnel will grow white hair in their heads and become old men before that aircraft takes off. My kind advice to HAL better manufacture toy planes and sell them on Amazon and Flipkart. It will earn a good amount of money to run the company.
the thing like Radar, RWR, etc are not developed by HAL. It is just assembled by HAL

 

[Praveen]

There can be countless plans devised and planned By IAF and MoD but they will never buy anything.

 

[tipoo2]

The pilot is talking from his perspective. If an aircraft is flying at very low altitude , which is not possible in delta wing aircrafts such as Tejas, Rafale, Mirage 2000 as they are designed for high speed, the aircraft will be invisible to ground based radars even if it is an aesa radar. And if flying few meters above dense jungles It will also be invisible to aew&cs aircrafts also. This can only be achieved currently by jaguars remaining in IAF. But I suggest it is better to retire these junks anyway, there is not much hardpoints available for mounting weapons. If possible better get ToT for Yak-130 along with its light fighter variant or its NATO equivalent M-346. Oh by the way don't buy radars , mission computers, and other stuff, just transfer from Tejas to this aircraft. Just the tech about airframe, engine, fly-by-wire system is enough. It will save enormous cost and time. IAF is very much needed advanced Jet Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft. Manufacturing this in large quantities can help fulfill this process.
both m-346 and Yak-130 are one and the same. Both have collaborated on this aircraft before but the sanctions have made them into one aircraft but two designations. Waiting for HLFT-42 to be manufactured is going to take one eternity for HAL. All the current Airforce Personnel will grow white hair in their heads and become old men before that aircraft takes off. My kind advice to HAL better manufacture toy planes and sell them on Amazon and Flipkart. It will earn a good amount of money to run the company.
the thing like Radar, RWR, etc are not developed by HAL. It is just assembled by HAL

I understand he was talking about low altitude as I commented, but that makes you vulnerable to man portable IR systems as well. There's no comparison ton an F22.

If it costs similar to the Mirage program at ~40 million, even close to it, that's more than half a Tejas and would probably be better put to a much more modern jet. As far as the niche mission of ground hugging that can probably be served with low and slow drones and flying munitions. We just keep extending the lives of these museum pieces for esoteric use cases well beyond when everyone else saw fit to retire them, like the Mig21.

 

[Kira]

The effort is NOT worth the hassle,as the airframe is very old itself and it's design and purpose have become both obsolete due to changes in doctrine,weaponry and other factors.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

A large no of retd officers working for spares suppliers earn their Rozi roti keeping junk in flying condition with spares purchased at astronomical prices . The crooked accountants and technical officers do not know the prices and hence the babus accountants , uniform ranks and retd all join hands and some earn under the table and some for simply facilitating and keeping the files moving . The loosers are the pilots who loose their lives . The jaguars are now over 45 yrs old and can only be flown from sea level as engines are worn out and power reduced . Replacing the engines with billions of dollars does not make sense . The writer being a former pilot may have emotional attachment and no way connected with under the table and his recommendations do not make any sense . The IAF requires 5th generation aircraft with F-35 or SU-57Mas the contenders and Rafale F-4/5 or F-15EX the 4.5 generation options .The aircraft are required for next 40 years and not modernized old aircraft fit for only next 10 years .

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

why not Fast Track MRFA Instead of Extending Life of old Fighter jets & showing Interest in old Mirage-2000 , Investing money in new Tech will definitely give good returns in Long term rather than extending life of older platform for shorter period

Jaguar is the ONLY "sneak and peek" jets in da whole world; which can fly at tree top heights at speeds close to mach 1.0. No other jet is capable of doing this currently...

 

[Praveen]

I understand he was talking about low altitude as I commented, but that makes you vulnerable to man portable IR systems as well. There's no comparison ton an F22.

If it costs similar to the Mirage program at ~40 million, even close to it, that's more than half a Tejas and would probably be better put to a much more modern jet. As far as the niche mission of ground hugging that can probably be served with low and slow drones and flying munitions. We just keep extending the lives of these museum pieces for esoteric use cases well beyond when everyone else saw fit to retire them, like the Mig21.

In low altitude even f-22 is also vulnerable. It's just that US don't deploy them near such areas. Just like how Russia does not deploy it's su-57 near such areas, but uses standoff weapons to attack. Here I talked only about retiring the jaguars. I am also talking about having an advanced trainer and a light fighter aircraft.

 

[tipoo2]

In low altitude even f-22 is also vulnerable. It's just that US don't deploy them near such areas. Just like how Russia does not deploy it's su-57 near such areas, but uses standoff weapons to attack. Here I talked only about retiring the jaguars. I am also talking about having an advanced trainer and a light fighter aircraft.

Yes, but the F22 doesn't need to fly at low altitude to have pseudo-stealth, that's the point. The comparison is just not necessary is all I'm saying. The Jaguar is simply in no way comparable, and flying low and slow to avoid over the horizon radars puts you in manpad range.

The Su-57 is another matter altogether lol. It can fly at as high altitude and fast as the F22 if not more, it's just not as stealthy and Russia would risk the entire future prospects of exporting it if it was shot down by the old Soviet and western equipment in Ukraine. But hey, it's our last remaining option for fifth gen within the decade.

 

[Varaaah]

Why not buy the rights to make the airframes then?

 

[NSR]

Rolls Royce refused to upgrade Adour 811s engines and/or participate in new engine for Jaguar and dropped out of RFI process.
So the competition between RR and Honeywell for a new engine became a single vendor situation.

Honeywell started demanding more money than GE F-414s for its F-125IN engines so India discontinued the engine upgrade effort.

Not sure about HTFE 25 kN engine as it was encountering with its HOT CORE. I read MIDHANI supplying high temperature alloys and single chrystal blades for it.
Woth upgrading if only airframe life is left in it and also a quality and reliable engine can be found.

 

[beencensured]

We will need them till 2040 atleast. HTFE-25 is progressing at snails pace, not sure if it is shevled.

Yes, there is shortage of planes.

 

[Sandeep]

Nope this jet is too old and not possible to manufacture more of these planes even under licence from HAL. We need modern fighters and planes with 5th generation jet and not waste money on trying to keep the jaguar in service. The technology, equipment, air frames, engines, radar etc are too old and not fit for modern warfare. Unless you have complete controls over enemy air space then these jets can be used for bombing targets.

 

[Prit]

If it's that good, why did other countries phase it out? Seems like paid opinions to me.

 

[Anant]

Rolls Royce refused to upgrade Adour 811s engines and/or participate in new engine for Jaguar and dropped out of RFI process.
So the competition between RR and Honeywell for a new engine became a single vendor situation.

Honeywell started demanding more money than GE F-414s for its F-125IN engines so India discontinued the engine upgrade effort.

Not sure about HTFE 25 kN engine as it was encountering with its HOT CORE. I read MIDHANI supplying high temperature alloys and single chrystal blades for it.
Woth upgrading if only airframe life is left in it and also a quality and reliable engine can be found.

Nope. Rolls Royce had offered the Adour Mk 821, which was an upgrade to the Mk 811 used on the Jaguars. The upgrade was to increase thrust by 20% and reduce fuel consumption by around 15%, which would have been very useful. However, the IAF then pushed for a new engine, and RR pulled out at this point since they did not see a new development being feasible for a very limited production run (estimated at the time to be under 300 engines).

As for Honeywell, yeah, they were trying to take us for a ride with engines costing almost 16.7 million USD each in today's money, when a F404-IN20 costs around 7.2 million USD with lifetime support and spares, and a F414 produced in India would cost around 4 million USD for production.