Will Oman Hand Over 20 Jaguar Fighter Jets to India And Why IAF Need Them?

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Oman for a free trade agreement and is exploring ways further to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, there is considerable talk of Muscat handing over about 20 Jaguar fighter bombers to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to be used as spares.

Why India May Require Used Jaguar Fighter Jets

India currently has around six squadrons or about 115-120 Jaguars, developed jointly by Britain and France. These are comparatively older fighters that India may retire in 2035, so till then, there is a need for spares. The Jaguar has a good safety record and these six squadrons are necessary as the IAF is down to about 30 fighter squadrons, while it needs about 40, keeping in mind the current security situation.The spares are essential, particularly because the Jaguar is being retired by many air forces and spares are difficult to get. In the past, India has received a few Jaguars from Britain and also, Oman to break up for spares. The first Jaguar fighter-bomber arrived in India in 1979.ALSO READ | Oman Hands Over 20 Jaguar Jets to India for Spares as IAF Battles Aging Fleet

When has India used Jaguar fighter jets?

India has used Jaguar fighter jets during the 1999 Kargil War and in other operations against Pakistan, as deep penetration strike aircraft.The six Jaguar squadrons will remain part of the IAF till replacements arrive. Hindustan Aeronautics has will deliver 180 Tejas Mark 1A -- about 9 squadrons.The first step towards acquiring 114 more Rafale fighters from France is under active discussion, with the indigenous content in these fighters being an issue. Till these 15 squadrons of the Tejas and the Rafale begin to arrive, the Jaguars, already upgraded and overhauled, will play an important role.

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PM Modi Signs Free Trade Agreement With Oman

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inked a free trade agreement with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and explored ways to further add greater depth to the bilateral strategic partnership.Modi, who arrived in Oman on Wednesday on the last leg of his three-nation tour, was welcomed by Sultan Haitham at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat before the bilateral meeting.ALSO READ | India Vs China: Top 5 Fighter Planes In Their Arsenal - Strength & Cost Of EachDuring the meeting, both leaders noted that the completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman is a landmark in the bilateral partnership.The leaders welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a milestone in bilateral ties, affirming that it would significantly strengthen the India-Oman strategic partnership.PM Modi is visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham. This is his second visit to the Gulf nation. The navies of India and Oman have a close relationship and they regularly conduct exercises.

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Why Oman Is Important Export Destination For India

Oman is the third-largest export destination for India among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India already has a similar agreement with another GCC member, the UAE, which came into effect in May 2022.India-Oman bilateral trade was about USD 10.5 billion (exports USD 4 billion and imports USD 6.54 billion) in 2024-25.

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India's key imports are petroleum products and urea. These account for over 70 per cent of imports. Other key products are propylene and ethylene polymers, pet coke, gypsum, chemicals, iron and steel, and unwrought aluminium.With inputs from PTI