Modeling the Jaguar IM of the Indian Air Force brought back fond memories of the splendid time I had, growing up in India’s aviation hub, Bangalore. The Jaguars were license produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Having had many opportunities to visit HAL and seeing the Jaguars being assembled, flight tested in their bright yellow primer paint before they got their camo coats of the different end users, was motivation for me to model the three variants that serve with the IAF. 

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It was at AeroIndia 96’ that I first photographed the aircraft I chose to represent. JM257 belongs to No. 6 Sqn., “The Dragons”, based at Pune at that time. It was also a matter of great coincidence that I got the decal sheet that represented the same aircraft from none other than Mike Grant from Mike Grant Decals (He gave me his last copy free of charge…..Thanks Mike ;-)).

The build was pretty easy, but I spent considerable amount of time and effort trying to lathe turn the correct profile of the nose cone out of aluminum stock and scratch building the Sea Eagle AShM out of plastic.

The two-tone camo was airbrushed with acrylics before the usual coats of clear gloss and decal application. I finally sealed the model with filter coats of light grey and semi-gloss satin finish.

I dedicate this kit to the valiant seamen of the Indian Navy. Jai Hind.

Leonard Prakasam