The Indian Air Force (IAF) is increasingly dependent on retired Jaguar fighter aircraft from Oman to sustain its operational fleet, highlighting mounting maintenance challenges caused by global spare parts shortages.
Jaguar fighter jets, inducted into the IAF in the late 1970s and early 1980s, have remained in service far beyond their originally intended operational lifespan. However, the aircraft’s manufacturers have long ceased large-scale production of critical components, making spare parts procurement increasingly difficult.
Oman retired its Jaguar fleet more than a decade ago, creating an opportunity for India to source surplus airframes and components. According to defence sources, these retired jets are being used primarily for spare parts recovery to maintain the airworthiness of India’s remaining Jaguar squadrons.
Defence analysts note that the situation reflects broader challenges within the IAF’s maintenance ecosystem, where aging platforms, supply chain disruptions, and delayed modernisation programmes have placed sustained pressure on fleet readiness.
While India continues efforts to upgrade and extend the service life of select Jaguar variants, experts caution that reliance on retired aircraft for spares is a temporary measure rather than a long-term solution. The development underscores the urgency of fleet renewal and the need for faster induction of next-generation combat aircraft.
