India Acquires Retired Jets for Parts Amid Air Force Gaps

POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — India has acquired nine retired British-built Jaguar ground-attack jets, which are intended for dismantling to provide spare parts for its existing fleet, according to reports. These aircraft won’t enter active service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The primary purpose of securing these retired jets is to sustain the IAF’s six operational Jaguar strike squadrons, which collectively comprise approximately 120 aircraft. This move is considered a practical stopgap measure by analysts, but it also underscores a deeper vulnerability within India’s air power capabilities.

Analysts indicate that this acquisition exposes the IAF’s significant dependence on foreign components. they highlight the country’s challenges in inducting replacement aircraft at a sufficient pace. These issues have reportedly led to the IAF operating with a fleet size that’s well below the strength approved by the government.

Kapil Kak, a former Indian air vice-marshal, attributed the decline in the nation’s aircraft fleet to multiple factors. These include slow indigenous production capabilities, a shortage of skilled manpower, and an apparent lack of commitment to fulfilling contracts and obligations.

The situation suggests that even a large defense budget may not automatically resolve the combat aircraft gaps that are currently affecting India’s overall air power, analysts stated.