Jaguar aircraft arriving from Britain will strengthen the Indian Air Force's fleet

• The Indian Air Force will acquire nine retired SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft from the United Kingdom in 2026 to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of its Jaguar fighter fleet.

• These aircraft will not be used for flight operations; instead, their usable components and systems will be utilized to repair and maintain the Indian Air Force's existing Jaguar fleet. In the aviation sector, this process is known as "cannibalization."

• This move is considered crucial for sustaining the operational capability of the Jaguar aircraft, which have long been a vital component of the Indian Air Force's strike power. Increased availability of essential spare parts will allow for a more effective extension of the aircraft's service life.

• Currently, the Indian Air Force operates approximately 115 to 120 Jaguar aircraft, which are expected to remain in service until the 2030–2032 period.

• Six squadrons of these aircraft are deployed at key airbases, playing a pivotal role in tactical strikes, precision attacks on ground targets, and various other strike missions.

• Despite having been in service for decades, the Jaguar aircraft remain a significant element of the Indian Air Force's offensive capabilities.

• Consequently, the components sourced from the retired aircraft from the UK will prove instrumental in sustaining their operations for the long term.