The SEPECAT Jaguar, known as Shamsher in Indian Air Force service, remains an indispensable asset despite its age, primarily due to its unmatched deep penetration strike capabilities.

Designed as a low-altitude, supersonic deep penetration fighter-bomber, it excels in terrain-hugging missions, using advanced radar and navigation systems to evade enemy defences while delivering precision strikes deep into hostile territory. This role has proven vital in India's strategic landscape, where no other IAF platform matches its ruggedness for such operations.​

Inducted in 1979, the Jaguar filled a critical gap post-1971 war, with over 160 units produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Its twin-engine design allows operations from semi-prepared airstrips, enhancing survivability in contested environments, while variants like the IS for strikes and IM for maritime roles provide versatility. The aircraft's combat range of around 900 km and speed up to 1,400 kmph make it ideal for rapid, low-level incursions.​

In operational history, Jaguars shone during the 1999 Kargil conflict, dropping laser-guided bombs as a dedicated deep penetration platform. More recently, in the 2019 Balakot strikes, they acted as decoys, drawing Pakistani F-16s away from Mirage-2000s, demonstrating tactical cunning in modern networked warfare. Their nuclear triad role further cements indispensability, capable of delivering strategic payloads with reasonable success rates.​

The Jaguar's enduring relevance stems from ongoing upgrades under the Display Attack Ranging and Inertial Navigation (DARIN) program, initiated in the 1980s. DARIN I retained the original 'chisel' nose but introduced a SAGEM navigation/attack system, combined map/electronic display, head-up display, weapon-aiming computer, and Mil Std 1553B databus. These enhancements proved crucial during the 1999 Kargil War, enabling laser-guided bomb employment.

DARIN-II, from the early 2000s, reshaped the nose with a Thales laser targeting pod. Additions included an Elbit head-up display, inertial navigation/GPS, multifunction cockpit display, Elta EL/L-8222 jammer, Tarang radar warning receivers, countermeasures dispensers, ASRAAM air-to-air missiles, and Textron CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapons. Maritime strike variants swapped Agave radar and Sea Eagle missiles for Elta EL/M-2032 and AGM-84 Harpoon Block II.

The pinnacle, DARIN III launched in 2008, integrates the Israeli Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar—making the Jaguar India's first AESA-equipped combat jet.

Led by HAL with TEJAS program insights, it features a glass cockpit with three multifunction displays, EFIS digital display, digital head-up display, and Elbit DASH helmet for ASRAAM cueing via unique over-wing pylons. First flight occurred in 2012, though delays arose from mission computer integration and a now-cancelled Honeywell F125-IN re-engining due to cost.

DARIN-III aims to extend select Jaguars' life to 2035, potentially beyond for upgraded HAL-built airframes. Older British jets will skip full upgrades, leading to two squadrons disbanding soon. As Singh observes, the Jaguar retains strike utility through enhanced electronic warfare, navigation-attack systems, and stand-off weapons, affirming its rugged precision despite nearing 45 years for the eldest examples.

India remains the sole operator of the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft, a Cold War-era design that continues to play a vital role in the IAF. Recent reports reveal that New Delhi has struck a deal with Oman to acquire surplus Jaguars, retired by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) in 2014. These aircraft will not enter frontline service but will be cannibalised for spare parts to sustain India's fleet.

Spares for the Jaguar have grown increasingly scarce since production ended, with the last Indian-built example rolling off HAL's line in 2008. Britain and France ceased manufacturing far earlier. The IAF now resorts to cannibalisation, turning to international sources like Oman and previously France, which in 2018-19 shipped 31 airframes plus parts, with India covering only transport costs.

India's six Jaguar squadrons each maintain 18-20 aircraft, but attrition is relentless—three losses occurred this year alone. The ex-Omani jets will be dismantled there before shipping to India, easing logistics. IAF historian Angad Singh notes this as a pragmatic fix for a dwindling fighter force plagued by delays in new acquisitions.

Challenges persist, including engine issues and crashes linked to outdated systems, yet strategic necessity prevails without immediate successors like the AMCA ready.

The IAF plans phased retirement from 2027-28 for non-upgraded units, but upgraded squadrons will bridge gaps in ground-attack prowess. Thus, the Jaguar's blend of reliability, adaptability, and proven combat utility ensures its continued relevance in India's arsenal.​

Post-36 Dassault Rafales, India seeks 114 more, initially single-engine but now open to twins like F-15EX, Rafale, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and F-21 (Indian F-16 variant). No decisions have emerged, and indigenous programs like TEJAS proceed slowly. At 70% of authorised strength—a 1960s figure likely to rise—the IAF has little choice but to prolong legacy types.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)