Why India is turning to retired jets to sustain its depleted air force

AI Summary

India is acquiring retired British-built Jaguar jets to source spare parts and sustain its depleted air force fleet. This measure highlights India's logistical challenges and defense procurement issues amidst broader military preparedness concerns.

India’s struggle to replenish its depleted fighter fleet has led one of the world’s largest defence spenders to seek spare parts from decommissioned aircraft. New Delhi recently secured nine retired British-built Jaguar ground-attack jets, which will not enter service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) but will be dismantled to help sustain its six operational Jaguar strike squadrons of about 120 aircraft. Analysts said the acquisition was a practical stopgap but also exposed a deeper weakness in...