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In a strategic development that combines diplomatic goodwill with logistical necessity, the Royal Air Force of Oman has consented to transfer over 20 of its decommissioned SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jets to India.
These aircraft are intended to be dismantled to provide critical spare components for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The transfer, revealed on 6 December 2025, is being viewed by Indian defence officials as a vital support measure. It arrives at a crucial juncture for the IAF, which is striving to maintain its six Jaguar squadrons amidst a reduction in overall combat strength and challenging geopolitical circumstances.
Although the dismantling of these aircraft may not carry the prestige of acquiring new fleet, it highlights a practical truth: in a time of international sanctions and supply chain difficulties, recovering parts from retired platforms is essential for national defence.
The Jaguars, which served Oman from the 1970s until their retirement in 2014, constitute the last significant inventory of these airframes available globally.
With the original manufacturing lines in Britain and France having closed decades ago, the IAF has frequently relied on acquiring retired airframes to support its operations.
This method, often termed "harvesting," has seen previous success, such as the acquisition of 31 airframes from France in 2018, alongside smaller batches from the UK and Oman.
This latest transfer is expected to include engines, avionics, and structural parts, potentially extending the service life of India’s 115 remaining Jaguars and providing a buffer until new indigenous aircraft are ready.
Known within the IAF as the "Shamsher" (Sword of Justice), the Jaguar has served as India's primary deep-penetration strike aircraft since its introduction at Jamnagar in July 1979.
Originally a Cold War project by Britain and France, this twin-engine jet was designed for low-level missions, capable of flying close to the terrain at high speeds to deliver precision weapons.
India eventually acquired 160 units, with the majority built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Despite initial concerns regarding the power of its engines, the aircraft has proven to be a highly effective asset for the force.
The operational history of the Jaguar fleet is distinguished. During the Kargil War in 1999, the "Tuskers" of No. 5 Squadron executed over 1,500 sorties against supply lines in difficult high-altitude conditions without suffering any losses.
More recently, during the skirmishes of May 2025, upgraded aircraft from No. 14 Squadron ("Bulls") were reported to have successfully utilised Rampage supersonic missiles.
Additionally, the maritime strike variants of No. 6 Squadron ("Dragons") continue to patrol the Arabian Sea.
While other nations such as the UK, France, and Ecuador have retired their fleets, India remains the sole operator of the Jaguar, maintaining a commendable serviceability rate of approximately 72 per cent.
Modernisation efforts have been central to keeping the fleet relevant.
The DARIN (Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation) upgrade programme has equipped around 60 aircraft with modern AESA radars, advanced air-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
However, a proposal to replace the aging engines with new Honeywell powerplants was cancelled due to high costs. This has left the fleet reliant on the older Adour Mk811 engines, which require intensive maintenance.
Despite this, the aircraft maintains a strong safety record, with fewer than 20 accidents over 45 years, reflecting both the durability of the design and the quality of pilot training.
While the transfer of retired assets is not a glamorous affair, its practical value is immense. The Jaguars from Oman, originally purchased in the late 1970s and early 1980s, provide a necessary reservoir of parts as global stocks disappear.
Indian Jaguars face issues related to corrosion and fatigue after nearly five decades of service. With current fleet readiness dependent on the availability of spares, dismantling the Omani jets will provide thousands of reusable components. This will help reduce the time aircraft spend in overhaul at HAL’s facilities and save foreign exchange reserves.
This transfer underscores the strong relationship between India and Oman. Oman has been a key strategic partner since the 1970s, regularly participating in joint exercises and sharing maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean. This move mirrors similar support from other nations, such as the French transfer of airframes in 2018.
For India, the priority is to secure engines and avionics to mitigate the shortage of spares from manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, with the aim of keeping the Jaguar squadrons operational until 2035.
The context for this acquisition is a shortage in the IAF’s overall fighter strength. As of late 2025, the force operates approximately 30 to 31 squadrons, well below the sanctioned strength of 42 required to effectively manage potential simultaneous challenges from China and Pakistan. The planned retirement of the MiG-21 fleet by the end of the year will further reduce these numbers.
With the older Jaguar variants scheduled for retirement between 2028 and 2031, there is a risk of a significant capability gap by 2030 if new procurements and indigenous production do not accelerate.
Addressing this shortfall requires immediate action.
While the Rafale fleet has performed well, triggering discussions for further acquisitions, the long-term solution lies in indigenous production. Orders for over 200 HAL Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A aircraft have been placed, though deliveries have faced delays due to supply chain issues.
Future hopes rest on the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced fighter intended to replace the Jaguar, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's fifth-generation stealth programme targeted for the mid-2030s.
