IAF to get Nine Jaguar jets from UK for spare parts - The Tribune

The Indian Air Force plans to acquire nine “retired” Jaguar fighter jets from the United Kingdom to serve as a source of spare parts and reusable sub-assemblies. The Jaguar was originally produced through an Anglo-French partnership in the 1960s as a Cold War “deep penetration strike aircraft,” and it is no longer manufactured. With nearly 120 Jaguars in its fleet, the IAF is described as the only operator still flying the twin‑engined platform. The jets began induction in 1979 and continue to equip squadrons at Ambala, Gorakhpur and Jamnagar, where Jamnagar carries a maritime strike role. This is not the first time the IAF has imported decommissioned airframes to keep the Jaguar operational. Earlier batches were brought from France, Oman and the UK after those countries withdrew the fighter. In 2018, France gifted 31 retired Jaguar airframes, along with associated engines and spare parts, at no cost, while a 2019 agreement between India and Oman enabled the transfer of more than 20 retired Jaguars decommissioned by the Royal Air Force of Oman. The IAF uses these aircraft for “cannibalized” components to address shortages including landing gear, hydraulics, avionics and Rolls-Royce Adour engines.