New Delhi. An important defense advantage has been decided for India before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arab countries. The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that India is going to get rare and vital spare parts of Jaguar fighter planes from Oman, which will prove to be a new lease of life for the aging Jaguar fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, Arun Kumar Chatterjee said that the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) had removed its Jaguar jets from service some time ago. Now these aircraft have a large amount of spare parts available, which they are ready to transfer to India. Chatterjee said, “We are hopeful that the first consignment of these spare parts will start reaching India soon.”
Oman’s Jaguars will now become the ‘lifesaver’ of India’s fighter fleet.
Oman’s Air Force used Jaguar jets for a long time. Now this entire fleet will not be converted as per the documents, but part by part as per the needs of India. These will include – engines, flight control systems, avionics modules, airframe parts and many rare spares which are now difficult to find in the world.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 6 Jaguar squadrons, consisting of 18–20 aircraft. Due to age, availability of spare parts for these aircraft was becoming a constant challenge. In such a situation, Oman’s help is a strategic relief for the Indian Air Force.
IAF’s ‘Deep Strike’ capability will get a boost
Jaguar is not just an old aircraft for the Indian Air Force, but is the main strike fighter capable of striking deep into the ground battlefield. After arrival of new supply – serviceability of Jaguar fleet will increase, lifespan of existing aircraft can increase by 8-10 years, mission readiness will improve significantly and Jaguars standing on No Fly will be able to become operational again.
India’s strategic advantage
This announcement is being considered very strategically important before the visit of Prime Minister Modi. India is not only strengthening defense partnerships in the Middle East, but is also increasing practical military cooperation with former allies and securing long-term combat capability by increasing the lifespan of its fighter fleet.
conclusion
The spare parts received from Oman are like a lifeline for the Jaguar fleet of the Indian Air Force. This step will not only strengthen India’s defense preparedness, but will also open new dimensions of strategic partnership.
