The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing a significant electronic warfare upgrade for its Jaguar DARIN-III strike aircraft, a step aimed at countering the evolving airpower challenges posed by China and Pakistan.
The plan includes the integration of a new internal Radar Warner Receiver (RWR) and state-of-the-art jammer pods. These additions will enable the Jaguars to detect, track, and suppress hostile radars, greatly improving their chances of survival in contested airspace dominated by stealth and advanced electronic systems.
Despite being one of the IAF’s older platforms, the Jaguar fleet remains a vital component of India’s ground attack capability. Defence analysts suggest that this upgrade will allow the Jaguars to remain combat-relevant while the IAF transitions to new-generation fighters such as the Tejas Mk2 and the upcoming AMCA project.
The DARIN-III standard has already introduced modern avionics, navigation, and mission computers to the aircraft. The upcoming radar warner and jammer systems will further expand its operational envelope, giving pilots enhanced situational awareness and the ability to carry out strike missions with reduced vulnerability.
Military observers see the move as part of a broader strategy where India is not only investing in indigenous fighter programs but also ensuring its existing fleet can operate effectively against technologically superior adversaries.
With China and Pakistan working to expand their stealth and electronic warfare capabilities, the IAF’s decision highlights its emphasis on layered defence and battlefield survivability.
