Windjammer
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India to Shelve Costly Jaguar Upgrade Plan - Opt for More Su-30MKI Jets
August-19th-2019
Indian Air Force Jaguar Attack Jet
The Indian Air Force reportedly intends to shelve plans for costly engine upgrades for its ageing fleet of Jaguar attack jets, and is instead considering further acquisitions of the Su-30MKI twin seat heavyweight fighters to replace them. Jaguar jets currently rely on Rolls Royce Adour 811 engines of which were acquired in the 1980s, but these have since seen a considerable reduction in their performances which prevents the aircraft from operating optimally or carrying a full combat load. The Air Force reportedly considered acquiring Honeywell F125IN engines from the United States for integration onto the Jaguar to restore its capabilities, but given the age of the aircraft themselves and the price of the engines the cost effectiveness of such a purchase remains questionable. India is currently the only operator of the Jaguar, with all aircraft deployed by European and Middle Eastern states long since retired. The effectiveness of the aircraft even in upgraded form against the defences of neighbouring Pakistan and China, which both deploy a number of advanced anti aircraft systems from HQ-16 air defence systems to PL-12 air to air missiles, has also been brought to serious question.
Indian Air Force Su-30MKI, Jaguar Attack Jet and Tejas Light Fighter
A source quoted by Indian media regarding the new deal stated regarding the cost of the upgrade: “The price quoted by Honeywell and the HAL for ‘re-engining’ is just too high. For the price of two such upgrades, we can get one basic Rafale.” It is considered likely that some and possibly all of India’s six Jaguar squadrons will be retired and replaced with the Su-30MKI, a fighter which is also highly capable in a ground attack role and benefits from a twin seat configuration and a far heavier and more modern airframe. The platform's powerful sensors, high speed and altitude and long range make it a potentially ideal strike fighter, and it is compatible with a number of high end munitions from indigenous BrahMos cruise missiles to Israeli SPICE guided bombs and a wide range of advanced Russian guided munitions. The fighters are produced in India under license, currently forming the mainstay of the Indian fleet with over 250 in service, and those which may replace Jaguar squadrons are likely to be equipped primarily for ground attack. Even when configured in such a way, the Su-30MKI will still be far more survivable if engaged by enemy aircraft and can deploy formidable defensive armaments such as the indigenous Astra and Russian R-27 air to air missiles without significantly compromising its air to ground payload.
