A major accident was averted in Haryana on Friday. Here in Panchkula, the Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Baldwala village of Morni. It is said that the aircraft had taken off from Ambala Airbase for a training flight. The pilot saved his life by jumping from it just before the accident.
In such a situation, it is important to know how dangerous is the Jaguar fighter aircraft that has crashed? Generally, news of accidents of MIG aircraft, called flying coffins in India, are common, but what is the history of Jaguar in India? Who made it and what are its features? Since when has the Indian Air Force been using this fighter jet and when has it given the country an edge on the battlefield. Let’s know…
First know – what is Jaguar aircraft?
SEPECAT Jaguar is a low-altitude supersonic (faster than the speed of sound) fighter aircraft. Britain and France had partnered for its production. Preparations for its manufacture began for the first time in 1960 and it was produced from 1968 to 1981. In the initial phase, it was used by the Royal Air Force of Britain and the Air Force of France. This fighter aircraft was made capable of using nuclear capabilities in view of the Cold War between America and Russia.
Jaguar did not get the expected buyers in the foreign market, but the air forces of India, Oman, Ecuador and Nigeria liked this fighter aircraft a lot. These countries also used Jaguar in their different military operations. Especially India chased away Pakistan through Jaguar on two different occasions.
What are the special features of Jaguar?
Jaguar can fly steadily at low altitude due to its high-wing loading design. This also prevents it from getting caught by radar.
Due to its design, Jaguar can easily carry war weapons. The wings fitted on the wing span of the aircraft give it excellent ground clearance.
Jaguar is a multirole fighter jet, equipped with air-to-ground, air-to-air, and anti-ship missiles, it also has the capability to attack with nuclear weapons.
It also has lethal weapons. It has the capabilities to carry out ground attacks, airspace defense, and naval attacks.
Jaguar is a single-seater, double-engine aircraft. There is also a provision to seat two pilots in its trainer format.
This fighter jet can fly up to 900-1000 km at a time, but its special ability is to fly close to the ground without getting caught by the radar, in which Jaguar can fly up to 650 km.
What has been the history of Jaguar in the Indian Air Force?
India first received the proposal for Jaguar fighter aircraft in 1968 as soon as its production started. However, then India hesitated and refused to buy it. It is said that there were many doubts in India about its success. France and Britain themselves did not give any direct statement about buying it.
However, in 1978, India became the largest importer of Jaguar aircraft. Then India placed an order of 1 billion dollars for Jaguar. India preferred it over Dassault’s Mirage F1 and Saab’s Viggen. India started efforts to strengthen the Air Force through 40 Jaguar aircraft.
Where are Jaguar fighter aircraft deployed in India?
The Indian Air Force currently operates about 120 Jaguar fighter aircraft in six squadrons. Its 5th squadron is called Tuskers. At the same time, the 14th squadron is called Bulls. Both these squadrons are deployed in Ambala.
Apart from this, Jaguar’s number-6 squadron is called ‘Dragons’. Naval variants of fighter aircraft operate from here and their base is Jamnagar.
Squadron No. 224, also known as Warlords, also operates from Jamnagar. Gorakhpur is the base of No. 16 Squadron, called Black Cobras. Apart from this, its 27th Squadron is named Flaming Arrows.