Churu, Rajasthan – A Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed into an agricultural field in Bhanoda village, Churu district, during a routine training mission on Wednesday afternoon, killing both pilots on board.
“An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported,” the IAF said in an official statement.
An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 9, 2025
IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and…
The crash occurred at approximately 1:25 PM, according to Rajaldesar SHO Kamlessh, who spoke to news agency PTI. The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers.
“IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the statement added.
A court of inquiry has been constituted to determine the cause of the crash.
🛩️ Pattern of Recent Accidents:
This is not the first such incident involving IAF aircraft in recent months:
- April 2025 – A two-seater Jaguar crashed after takeoff from Jamnagar Airfield. One pilot died after ejecting mid-air due to a technical malfunction.
- March 2025 – A fighter jet went down in Haryana’s Panchkula district. The pilot safely ejected after steering the aircraft away from populated areas.
- February 2025 – A Mirage 2000 crashed during training near Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Both pilots ejected safely.
- November 2024 – A MiG-29 crashed near Agra, Uttar Pradesh due to technical issues. The pilot ejected safely.
These repeated incidents raise concerns about the aging fleet and the technical readiness of certain aircraft, prompting calls for more robust safety protocols and quicker modernisation.