The Royal Air Force of Oman transferred over 20 retired SEPECAT Jaguar fighter-bombers to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as spares, amid fleet shortages dropping to 30 squadrons against a 42-squadron need. These aircraft, to be cannibalized for engines and components, sustain IAF’s six Jaguar squadrons (about 120 jets), supporting DARIN III upgrades and deep-strike roles until phased out from 2027-2035, bridging delays in LCA Mk2, AMCA, and MRFA inductions. From India’s strategic lens, this goodwill gesture—rooted in robust defense ties including joint exercises—counters Pakistan-China axis threats in a volatile Indo-Pacific, ensuring operational readiness without straining spares-scarce logistics.