IAF to Begin Retiring Jaguar Strike Aircraft in 2027-28, Complete Phase-Out by 2035

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a gradual plan to retire its fleet of Jaguar strike aircraft. The process will begin in 2027-28, with the goal of completely phasing out the Jaguars by 2035. Initially retired aircraft will be the older DARIN-I/II variants.

The IAF had originally aimed to replace the Jaguars with the indigenously developed Tejas MkII fighter jet, a more advanced design. However, to bridge the gap, the first squadrons may transition to the Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded variant of the existing Tejas Mk1. This provides a capable replacement for the aging Jaguars while the Tejas MkII continues its development cycle.

Jaguars have long been a backbone of the IAF's strike force, serving in combat, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol roles. However, the fleet has faced issues with its engines, which are known to lose power in India's hot and humid environment.

The IAF presently operates approximately 120 Jaguar aircraft divided among the following six squadrons:

• No. 5 Squadron (“Tuskers”) – Ambala Air Force Station
• No. 14 Squadron (“Bulls”) – Ambala Air Force Station
• No. 6 Squadron (“Dragons”) – Jamnagar Air Force Station (IM variant)
• No. 16 Squadron (“Black Cobras”) – Gorakhpur Air Force Station
• No. 27 Squadron (“Flaming Arrows”) – Gorakhpur Air Force Station
• No. 224 Squadron (“Warlords”) – Jamnagar Air Force Station

This phased retirement marks the end of an era for the Jaguar in Indian service. The introduction of the Tejas Mk1A ensures the IAF maintains its capabilities while paving the way for the Tejas MkII as the future of its fighter fleet.

 

[GMR]

Hope the transition happens timely & smoothly 🤞🤞🤘🤘

 

[Pramkumar]

MK1 need to go towards MK1B, MK1C before 5th Generation LCA take place. just like MIG-21 Tejash also need to produced around 800-900 nos. before conversion to 6th Generation LCA

 

[Pink Panther]

What a waste of time, money and resources, then why upgrade them to DARIN III, bad planning .

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Hope the transition happens timely & smoothly 🤞🤞🤘🤘

Yes.
For the initial 83 Mk 1As, I think older MiG (21, 23, 27) squadrons will be resurrected. The latter 97 will replace these squadrons. Now, 2027-28 is a variable quantity depending upon how fast the first 83 units are delivered. Hope it happens as fast as possible.

 

[SuvarPakisareHomos]

India should buy at least 2 more squadrons of Rafales.....while they play catchup...this whole process is too slow.

 

[Official]

Tejas although being a capable jet would not perform as a better in a ground attack role. Its combat radius of 700 kms would not be enough. The GE F404 engine is underpowered for Tejas producing around 70 kn of wet thrust. In my humble opinion we need to first upgrade its engine to 100 kn of wet thrust. That will increase the payload carrying capacity to around 19000 kgs which would make it capable to carry heavier armament such as FAB 500.