Jaguar jets will be pounded with hammers in Oman; what will India gain from this?

India is now the world’s sole operator of the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft. It will purchase additional models of these Cold War-era jets from Oman, which retired them in 2014. This decision reflects the continued importance of the Jaguar to the Indian Air Force (IAF), but also points to the air force’s dwindling fighter fleet and delays in procuring new equipment.

How Many Jaguars Does Oman Have?
According to an article published on The War Zone, several reports indicate that an agreement has been reached between India and Oman under which an unknown number of Oman’s older Jaguar aircraft will be handed over to India. Beginning in 1977, the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) received a total of 27 British-built Jaguar aircraft, including 20 single-seaters, five two-seaters, and two ex-British Royal Air Force aircraft, which were used as replacements for older aircraft. At least 13 of these aircraft were involved in various accidents, leaving India with a maximum of 14 “in-service” aircraft. Presumably, spare parts can also be obtained from Omani aircraft that were declared obsolete while in service.

Where did India get the Jaguar aircraft?
According to The War Zone, the Indian Air Force selected the Jaguar for its Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA) in 1978 and acquired 18 aircraft as “interim” equipment from the British Royal Air Force’s stock. It also acquired 40 “flyaway” aircraft directly from British Aerospace (BAE). It also acquired approximately 128 more aircraft that were manufactured under license in India under a technology transfer agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

These aircraft will be dismantled in Oman and then transported to India
According to the report, these former Omani jets will not be inducted into the Indian Air Force, but will be dismantled for parts and brought to India. These parts will be used to bolster the fleet of older but still-in-demand Jaguar aircraft. These jets will be dismantled in Oman to facilitate their transportation to India.

France had provided assistance to India for Jaguars
Jaguar parts are now becoming increasingly difficult to obtain globally. India sought French assistance in 2018-19. France, which retired its last Jaguar aircraft in 2005, sent 31 complete aircraft structures and various components to India, for which New Delhi paid only the transportation costs.

How many Jaguars does India currently have?
These aircraft and components are being used in the Indian Air Force’s existing six Jaguar squadrons, each consisting of 18 to 20 aircraft. However, the number of aircraft is steadily declining. Three Jaguars have been lost this year alone.

The last Jaguar aircraft manufactured in India was in 2008
According to the report, the last new Jaguar aircraft manufactured in India rolled off the HAL production line in 2008; by this date, British and French production had long ceased. Since then, obtaining spare parts and components, including new or reconditioned engines, has become much more complex.