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Oman is set to transfer over 20 retired Jaguar fighter aircraft to India, which will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with access to essential spare parts for its ageing fleet. This decision comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Muscat, scheduled for December 17-18, underscoring the growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
India continues to operate the SEPECAT Jaguar—an Anglo-French deep-strike aircraft inducted in 1979—long after most operators phased it out. With global production lines closed and the jet withdrawn from service in other air forces, the IAF has been facing mounting shortages of engines, avionics and airframe components.
India’s Global Search for Retired Jaguars
New Delhi has been reaching out to nations that once flew the Jaguar, including Oman, the UK, France, and Ecuador, to source decommissioned airframes for dismantling into parts.
– France has already supplied 31 airframes along with engines and assorted spares.
– The UK has offered two Jaguar T-2 trainers and more than 600 spare items.
– Oman is handing over its retired fleet, along with several Adour engines and thousands of spare components.
– Ecuador has also been approached for possible transfers.
According to senior officials, this approach is now the only viable way to keep the Jaguar fleet operational, given the limited supply chain.
Why the Jaguars Still Matter to India
Despite being over four decades old, upgraded Jaguars continue to serve in strike roles and have been modernised with improved avionics and weapon systems. However, the IAF’s plan to keep them flying for another decade has been slowed by engine shortages and delays in the upgrade programme.
The arrival of Omani airframes, along with those sourced from France and the UK, will allow the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to salvage essential components and keep the fleet operational.
A Timely Boost Before High-Level Talks
The upcoming transfer from Oman aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s visit and is expected to be discussed during bilateral meetings. For the IAF, each retired jet imported expands the stock of components needed to maintain six Jaguar squadrons, at a time when fighter numbers remain under pressure.
Team BharatShakti
