SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar Darin-III aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge upgrades, will remain in service beyond 2035, thanks to a life extension program and significant technological enhancements. The integration of the ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR) and the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) has bolstered the combat capabilities of the Darin-III variant, ensuring its operational relevance for at least another decade.
The Jaguar, a deep-penetration strike aircraft, has been a mainstay of the IAF’s fleet since the late 1970s. The Darin-III upgrade, undertaken by HAL, enhances the aircraft’s avionics, radar, and weapon systems, enabling it to perform precision strikes, air superiority missions, and reconnaissance roles with greater effectiveness. The ELM-2052 AESA radar provides superior target detection and tracking, while the ASRAAM integration enhances the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capabilities, making the Darin-III a formidable platform in modern aerial warfare.
According to reports from idrw.org, the IAF plans to phase out older, unupgraded Jaguar variants—Darin-I and Darin-II—starting from 2028-29. These variants, which lack the advanced upgrades of the Darin-III, are nearing the end of their operational life. The retirement of these older models will streamline the IAF’s fleet, focusing on modernized platforms like the Darin-III to maintain combat readiness.
The life extension program and upgrades reflect the IAF’s strategy to maximize the utility of its existing assets while transitioning to newer platforms like the Tejas Mk1A and future acquisitions. HAL’s role in upgrading and maintaining the Jaguar fleet underscores its expertise in sustaining legacy aircraft and supporting India’s defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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