In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Ratangarh town in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday, claiming the lives of both pilots on board. The aircraft was on a routine training mission when it went down, marking the second crash involving a Jaguar fighter jet in the last three months.
Defence sources confirmed that the crash occurred during daylight hours, prompting an immediate response from local police and IAF search and rescue teams. Initial reports suggested a delay in determining the fate of the pilots; however, the IAF later confirmed that both airmen sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
In an official statement released on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the IAF stated:
“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.”
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.
IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 9, 2025
The statement added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.
The crash site, located near a sparsely populated area, was quickly cordoned off by security personnel to facilitate investigation and ensure public safety. No civilian injuries or property damage were reported. Locals reportedly heard a loud explosion and witnessed thick smoke rising from the crash site before emergency responders arrived.
This incident has reignited concerns about the ageing Jaguar fleet within the Indian Air Force. The twin-seat Jaguar aircraft involved in Wednesday’s crash was part of a legacy fleet that has served the IAF since the late 1970s. Despite periodic upgrades, experts have pointed to the growing risk of operating older aircraft for demanding roles such as low-level strike missions and pilot training.
The crash mirrors a similar tragedy that occurred in April this year, when another Jaguar jet crashed near Jamnagar Air Force Station in Gujarat. That aircraft went down in an open field near Suvarda village, approximately 12 kilometres from Jamnagar city. Of the two pilots involved in the April crash, one ejected safely while the other was found dead by local villagers.
The back-to-back accidents have prompted aviation analysts and retired defence personnel to call for urgent modernisation of the IAF’s training and combat fleets. While the Jaguar platform continues to be operational, incidents like these are expected to influence future procurement and upgrade strategies.
The identities of the deceased pilots have not yet been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. The IAF has extended condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated its commitment to investigating the causes of the mishap.
