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.

 

[NSR]

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.

I did not hear about it about a decade and half ago

And then why can't just get Adour 821 by paying some money for full TOT?
Many of the Jaguars have lots of life left in them.

Also India can make new ones and use them for ground attacks.

 

[Anant]

I did not hear about it about a decade and half ago

And then why can't just get Adour 821 by paying some money for full TOT?
Many of the Jaguars have lots of life left in them.

Also India can make new ones and use them for ground attacks.

I am personally of the opinion we should have gone for the Adour Mk 821. As you well mentioned, considering the age of the engine, even 100% ToT wouldn't have been too large of an ask.

Now, though, I am not entirely sure. The Jaguar fleet is quite old, and while there will certainly be airframes that can be kept around for a long time, a good chunk of the fleet is quite possibly at the tail end of its life.

Finally, as for making new ones, I would humbly disagree. Most of the tooling and other things are gone, not to mention the airframe and design are of a different era. If we wanted an analogue for the modern era, something like the HLFT-42, assuming it does get built (better still if that is done instead of the HJT-36), would be a much better ground attack aircraft with some modifications.

Oh, and to add to your original comment, it seems the Russians have succeeded in fleecing us where Honeywell failed. The recent green-light for new AL-31 engines for the Su-30MKI fleet is at 26,000 crore INR for 240 engines, which comes to around 12.9 million USD per engine. Absolutely ridiculous.

 

[NSR]

I am personally of the opinion we should have gone for the Adour Mk 821. As you well mentioned, considering the age of the engine, even 100% ToT wouldn't have been too large of an ask.

Now, though, I am not entirely sure. The Jaguar fleet is quite old, and while there will certainly be airframes that can be kept around for a long time, a good chunk of the fleet is quite possibly at the tail end of its life.

Finally, as for making new ones, I would humbly disagree. Most of the tooling and other things are gone, not to mention the airframe and design are of a different era. If we wanted an analogue for the modern era, something like the HLFT-42, assuming it does get built (better still if that is done instead of the HJT-36), would be a much better ground attack aircraft with some modifications.

Oh, and to add to your original comment, it seems the Russians have succeeded in fleecing us where Honeywell failed. The recent green-light for new AL-31 engines for the Su-30MKI fleet is at 26,000 crore INR for 240 engines, which comes to around 12.9 million USD per engine. Absolutely ridiculous.

For more than a decade and half, GoI, MoD, IAF, DRDO, GTRE, HAL, etc all failed to grasp the urgency of fighter engine program requirements and was getting fleeced by all kinds of armaments manufacturers and our guys kept going on with CHALTA HAI attitude.

No one will give us HOT CORE technology including our supposed friends Russia, or even France, etc

I think it is happening because IAF was not like Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau.
IAF was addicted to phoren maal completely until great RM Parrikar shoved the LCA/Tejas program down their throats.

Sad indeed.

 

[sishir]

jaguar were bought from UK. Why they are doing to upgrade there aircraft. They have gone for new generation aircrafts with new technology and sleath capabilities as the modernisation of radars have increased . So to avoid these new electronic gadgets we need speed and sleath capabilities. Other wise we are putting the life of our brave pilots into risk. Look at F16 which Ukraine got without new technologies. They are scared to cross there borders.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Whether it is tank engines , ship engines , vehicle engines , aircraft engines this is the Achilles heel of DRDO and Indian defense production units . The weakness is clearly identified and and govt needs to close the gap in minerals , ores, rare earths , metallurgy , design , production , testing and supply . A public private partnership with shares and stakes of both defense public enterprises including Midhani, large medium and small private partners , IIT,S, NIIT,s , regional eng colleges needs to be formed under one mega cluster for Three to four teams of professionals in charge and oversee development with full financial powers and responsibility and accountability.

 

[Chekavar]

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

You're commenting without comprehenssion, regrets

Whether it is tank engines , ship engines , vehicle engines , aircraft engines this is the Achilles heel of DRDO and Indian defense production units . The weakness is clearly identified and and govt needs to close the gap in minerals , ores, rare earths , metallurgy , design , production , testing and supply . A public private partnership with shares and stakes of both defense public enterprises including Midhani, large medium and small private partners , IIT,S, NIIT,s , regional eng colleges needs to be formed under one mega cluster for Three to four teams of professionals in charge and oversee development with full financial powers and responsibility and accountability.

Very well said. Material Science is the star ✊🏾