Defense Business and Industry

IAF Enhances Jaguar Fleet Sustainability by Acquiring Ex-Omani Aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its aging Jaguar fleet through the acquisition of 20 ex-Omani Jaguar fighter aircraft, which will be dismantled in Oman and shipped to India for parts. This initiative responds to the mounting challenges of spare parts availability and the obsolescence of the Jaguar platform, as India seeks to sustain its operational capabilities amid rising tensions with neighboring countries. The procurement echoes past measures, such as similar arrangements with France, and aims to provide critical components to maintain the IAF’s sortie rates without incurring the high costs of manufacturing obsolete parts. Despite concerns regarding the Jaguars’ age, they continue to serve vital roles in deep-penetration strike and maritime attack missions, and the deal emphasizes India’s strategy of leveraging international partnerships while navigating procurement delays for newer aircraft. This development highlights the IAF’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet while addressing structural vulnerabilities and the urgency for accelerated procurement to enhance technological parity.

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