The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a serious operational challenge as its fleet of Jaguar fighter jets continues to age and spare parts become increasingly difficult to obtain. The aircraft, inducted decades ago, are now so old that many of their critical components are no longer manufactured anywhere in the world.
To keep these jets operational, India has turned to an unusual solution. The IAF is sourcing retired Jaguar aircraft from Oman and using them for spare parts. Oman officially decommissioned its Jaguar fleet in 2014, and these aircraft are now being used as donor planes to support India’s shrinking number of active Jaguars.
Reports suggest that India has reached a deal to acquire more than 20 retired Jaguar jets from Oman. These aircraft are not intended to fly but to provide parts that can no longer be produced or sourced through normal supply chains. Defence analysts say this highlights the growing pressure on the IAF, which is struggling with low squadron strength and delayed modernization programs.
The Jaguar has long been a key strike aircraft for India, but its continued use has raised concerns about safety, maintenance costs, and long-term viability. Several crashes over the years have already drawn attention to the risks of operating ageing platforms.
Experts warn that relying on foreign retired aircraft for spare parts is not a sustainable solution. They stress the need for faster induction of new fighter jets and better long-term planning. The situation reflects broader challenges facing the Indian Air Force as it tries to maintain combat readiness with an increasingly outdated fleet.
