A standard strike mission, about 1,000 km round trip, requires a mix of internal and external fuel. 

A standard strike mission, about 1,000 km round trip, requires a mix of internal and external fuel.&nbsp;

How much fuel does the IAF’s Jaguar fighter jet use per mission?

Another tragic incident of a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashing in Rajasthan's Churu on Wednesday (July 9) claimed the lives of two young pilots. This is the third incident of a Jaguar aircraft crashing in 2025. On April 3, a Jaguar jet crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar killing Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav. On March 7, a Jaguar ground attack fighter crashed near Haryana's Panchkula during a routine sortie.&nbsp;So, the big question is, why is the Indian Air Force still sticking to the fleet that is over 50 years old?&nbsp;The vintage warplanes of the 1960s were first inducted into the Indian Air Force's fighter jet fleet in the 1979, and since then they are serving the country and have not been retired.Reportedly, they are likely to continue serving for a few more years. And that is because of a few reasons that we are taking a look at.&nbsp;Shortage of fighter squadrons&nbsp;The Jaguar fleet that still consist of 120 planes - 100 of them license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2008 - were India's first nuclear-capable fighter jet. These planes, first inducted in 1979 will reportedly get another 15 years (2040) before they are phased out completely.&nbsp;India’s shortage of fighter squadrons is being termed as the biggest hurdle for the IAF for phasing out these fighter jets, according to experts. The IAF currently operates just 30 fighter squadrons, far short of the 42.5 it is supposed to have.&nbsp;Delay in acquisitions of modern fighter planes&nbsp;New aircraft acquisitions of the HAL Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft the Jaguars are being forced to serve longer than expected.&nbsp;India is the only country in the world currently operating the Jaguars. Countries like Britain, France, Nigeria, Oman and Ecuador, have already retired the ageing fighter jets.&nbsp;Upgradation of the jets&nbsp;Another factor why the IAF is still sticking with the over 50-year-old jets is the multiple upgrades done to the Jaguars to improve stand-off attack, strike range, and target acquisition capabilities.In 2008, the HAL, got a contract worth over ₹2,400 crore to upgraded 68 ‘deep penetration’ Jaguar fighters with modern avionics in order to increase the fighter planes' life and efficacy.&nbsp;Despite all the upgradation, there have been &nbsp;incidents of several pilots losing their lives in crashes involving Jaguars. Jaguars have reportedly been involved in over 50 accidents, including recent ones, over the years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Jaguar fleet that still consist of 120 planes - 100 of them license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2008 - were Indias first nuclear-capable fighter jet.

Another tragic incident of a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashing in Rajasthan's Churu on Wednesday (July 9) claimed the lives of two young pilots. This is the third incident of a Jaguar aircraft crashing in 2025. On April 3, a Jaguar jet crashed in Gujarat's Jamnagar killing Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav. On March 7, a Jaguar ground attack fighter crashed near Haryana's Panchkula during a routine sortie. So, the big question is, why is the Indian Air Force still sticking to the fleet that is over 50 years old? The vintage warplanes of the 1960s were first inducted into the Indian Air Force's fighter jet fleet in the 1979, and since then they are serving the country and have not been retired. Reportedly, they are likely to continue serving for a few more years. And that is because of a few reasons that we are taking a look at. Shortage of fighter squadrons The Jaguar fleet that still consist of 120 planes - 100 of them license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2008 - were India's first nuclear-capable fighter jet. These planes, first inducted in 1979 will reportedly get another 15 years (2040) before they are phased out completely. India’s shortage of fighter squadrons is being termed as the biggest hurdle for the IAF for phasing out these fighter jets, according to experts. The IAF currently operates just 30 fighter squadrons, far short of the 42.5 it is supposed to have. Delay in acquisitions of modern fighter planes New aircraft acquisitions of the HAL Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft the Jaguars are being forced to serve longer than expected. India is the only country in the world currently operating the Jaguars. Countries like Britain, France, Nigeria, Oman and Ecuador, have already retired the ageing fighter jets. Upgradation of the jets Another factor why the IAF is still sticking with the over 50-year-old jets is the multiple upgrades done to the Jaguars to improve stand-off attack, strike range, and target acquisition capabilities. In 2008, the HAL, got a contract worth over ₹2,400 crore to upgraded 68 ‘deep penetration’ Jaguar fighters with modern avionics in order to increase the fighter planes' life and efficacy. Despite all the upgradation, there have been incidents of several pilots losing their lives in crashes involving Jaguars. Jaguars have reportedly been involved in over 50 accidents, including recent ones, over the years.

The Jaguar fleet that still consist of 120 planes - 100 of them license-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 2008 - were India's first nuclear-capable fighter jet.

Why India continues to fly ageing Jaguar fighter planes even after 50 years

Two IAF pilots died in a Jaguar crash on Wednesday (July 9), but the aircraft’s journey into Indian skies began long before, and with no shortage of drama. On Wednesday afternoon, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft, which had taken off from the Suratgarh air base, went down in an agricultural field in Bhanoda village at around 1:25 p.m., according to police officials.The IAF confirmed in a statement, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission… Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” There was no damage reported to civilian property.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-how-did-iran-get-american-f-14-tomcats-fighter-jet-and-why-is-it-still-flying-them-years-after-us-retired-them-1750260034881">How did Iran get American F-14 'Tomcats' fighter jet, and why is it still flying them years after US&nbsp;retired&nbsp;them?</a>While investigations are underway, the tragedy has reignited interest in the SEPECAT Jaguar, once a modern deep strike aircraft.<h2>Here's the story of how Jaguar made its way to IAF</h2>Initially, the Indian Air Force wasn’t particularly interested in the Jaguar. Its hopes were pinned on the indigenous HF-24 ‘Marut’, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, after the death of HAL’s chief test pilot in a prototype crash in 1970, it became clear that the Marut wouldn’t meet the IAF’s requirement for a Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA). Though the Marut served admirably in the 1971 war, its limitations, mainly in power and avionics, meant the IAF had to look elsewhere. Once the Marut was ruled out, the Jaguar quickly became India’s top choice.<h2>SEPECAT Jaguar was initially ignored</h2>Interestingly, SEPECAT had pitched the Jaguar to India as early as 1968, even before the aircraft’s maiden flight. But the IAF, still scarred from its poor experience with the Folland Gnat (another British jet), showed no enthusiasm. It even turned down a low-cost offer and barely responded during formal presentations by legendary test pilots Jeffrey Quill and Jimmy Dell.<h2>IAF wanted twin engines</h2>During the mid-1970s, other competitors like France’s Mirage F1 and Sweden’s Viggen entered the race. However, the IAF wanted a twin-engine aircraft, ruling out both single-engine options. Britain’s then-Prime Minister James Callaghan had to personally assure India there would be no future arms sanctions, a promise that helped make Jaguar’s entry easy.After the Emergency period, the new government pushed ahead with the DPSA project. An Indian team visited France, Sweden, and the UK in early 1978. By October that year, the government officially selected the Jaguar. British Aerospace (BAe) had already formed, consolidating several major aviation firms. A deal was signed in April 1979 for around 130 aircraft, including licence production in India and technology transfer.<h2>Arrival of the Jaguar</h2>On 27 July 1979, the first two Jaguars landed in India. These aircraft ushered in a new phase for the IAF, replacing outdated platforms like the Canberra and the Hunter. The Jaguar gave India its much-needed edge in low-level interdiction and deep-strike missions.

The IAF confirmed in a statement, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission… Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” There was no damage reported to civilian property.

Two IAF pilots died in a Jaguar crash on Wednesday (July 9), but the aircraft’s journey into Indian skies began long before, and with no shortage of drama. On Wednesday afternoon, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft, which had taken off from the Suratgarh air base, went down in an agricultural field in Bhanoda village at around 1:25 p.m., according to police officials. The IAF confirmed in a statement, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission… Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” There was no damage reported to civilian property. Also read: How did Iran get American F-14 'Tomcats' fighter jet, and why is it still flying them years after US retired them? While investigations are underway, the tragedy has reignited interest in the SEPECAT Jaguar, once a modern deep strike aircraft. Here's the story of how Jaguar made its way to IAF Initially, the Indian Air Force wasn’t particularly interested in the Jaguar. Its hopes were pinned on the indigenous HF-24 ‘Marut’, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, after the death of HAL’s chief test pilot in a prototype crash in 1970, it became clear that the Marut wouldn’t meet the IAF’s requirement for a Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft (DPSA). Though the Marut served admirably in the 1971 war, its limitations, mainly in power and avionics, meant the IAF had to look elsewhere. Once the Marut was ruled out, the Jaguar quickly became India’s top choice. SEPECAT Jaguar was initially ignored Interestingly, SEPECAT had pitched the Jaguar to India as early as 1968, even before the aircraft’s maiden flight. But the IAF, still scarred from its poor experience with the Folland Gnat (another British jet), showed no enthusiasm. It even turned down a low-cost offer and barely responded during formal presentations by legendary test pilots Jeffrey Quill and Jimmy Dell. IAF wanted twin engines During the mid-1970s, other competitors like France’s Mirage F1 and Sweden’s Viggen entered the race. However, the IAF wanted a twin-engine aircraft, ruling out both single-engine options. Britain’s then-Prime Minister James Callaghan had to personally assure India there would be no future arms sanctions, a promise that helped make Jaguar’s entry easy. After the Emergency period, the new government pushed ahead with the DPSA project. An Indian team visited France, Sweden, and the UK in early 1978. By October that year, the government officially selected the Jaguar. British Aerospace (BAe) had already formed, consolidating several major aviation firms. A deal was signed in April 1979 for around 130 aircraft, including licence production in India and technology transfer. Arrival of the Jaguar On 27 July 1979, the first two Jaguars landed in India. These aircraft ushered in a new phase for the IAF, replacing outdated platforms like the Canberra and the Hunter. The Jaguar gave India its much-needed edge in low-level interdiction and deep-strike missions.

The IAF confirmed in a statement, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission… Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident.” There was no damage reported to civilian property.

‘Initially ignored, then became India’s deep-strike warrior’: How the Jaguar finally won over the Indian Air Force

India’s ageing SEPECAT Jaguar fleet lacks this auto-eject feature and that’s more serious than it sounds. Let’s break down what this actually means for pilots flying the IAF’s deep-strike warrior and why it poses a silent danger even in peacetime.

India’s ageing SEPECAT Jaguar fleet lacks this auto-eject feature and that’s more serious than it sounds. Let’s break down what this actually means for pilots flying the IAF’s deep-strike warrior and why it poses a silent danger even in peacetime.

IAF's Jaguar fighter jet has no ejection seat auto-activation! What does it mean for pilots?

Even before strategic missiles came into existence, the IAF deployed Jaguars, equipped to deliver nuclear payloads, as India’s earliest air-based nuclear deterrent. Long before the Mirage 2000 or Su-30, it secured India’s role in the nuclear triad.

Even before strategic missiles came into existence, the IAF deployed Jaguars, equipped to deliver nuclear payloads, as India’s earliest air-based nuclear deterrent. Long before the Mirage 2000 or Su-30, it secured India’s role in the nuclear triad.

Churu plane crash: How IAF's Jaguar became India’s first nuclear-capable fighter jet?

As India moves toward modernisation, the Jaguar could be the last of its kind. Here's what makes a strike fighter jet unique and why the Jaguar’s era may soon come to a quiet end.

Strike fighters excel at hitting enemy infrastructure from long distances, often flying low to avoid radar. They are crucial in wars where air dominance is already established and precision ground attacks are needed.

Churu plane crash: What is a ‘Strike Fighter Jet’ and why IAF’s Jaguar may be India’s last?

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How much fuel does the IAF’s Jaguar fighter jet use per mission?

Why India continues to fly ageing Jaguar fighter planes even after 50 years

From ignored to deep-strike warrior: How the Jaguar won over Indian Air Force

IAF's Jaguar fighter jet has no ejection seat auto-activation! What does it mean

Churu plane crash: How IAF's Jaguar became India’s first nuclear-capable jet?

What is a ‘Strike Fighter Jet’ and why IAF’s Jaguar may be India’s last?