India is now the only country still operating the Jaguar, long retired by its original users, France in 2005 and the UK in 2007, and secondary operators like Oman, Nigeria and Ecuador.
For over 4 decades, the low-flying fighter bomber has been a key element of IAF's capabilities. But engine shortcomings, outdated systems & a series of crashes have marred its legacy.
Latif led the first fly-past over New Delhi after India became a republic in 1950. He was instrumental in procuring Jaguar, MiG-23 & MiG-25 aircraft for the IAF.
In 2022, athletes claimed they were asked to wind up training early at Thyagraj Stadium so that the IAS couple could walk their dog. Then came the memes and public outrage.
Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance.
Pakistan not only has zero chance of catching up with India in most areas, but will inevitably see the gap rising. Its leaders will offer its people the same snake oil in different bottles.
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