Indian Air Force Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in an agricultural field in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase. The crash occurred around 1:25 pm in Bhanoda village. Details regarding the pilot's condition and the cause of the crash were not immediately available. The incident highlights the operational risks associated with the aging Jaguar fleet, which the IAF has been using for several decades as a deep penetration strike aircraft.
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Two pilots were onboard the Jaguar when it crashed in Churu, Rajasthan. Human remains were found at the site, and authorities fear both pilots did not survive. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but there has been no official confirmation of survivors as of now.
Jaguar crashes have become increasingly frequent. The Churu crash is the second Jaguar accident in 2025, with another fatal crash in April. At least six other Jaguars have crashed since late 2012, raising ongoing concerns about the aging fleet's safety and reliability.
Preliminary findings suggest a possible technical or system malfunction, but the exact cause remains under investigation. The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the reasons behind the crash and whether maintenance or aging issues were factors.
The IAF continues to operate Jaguars due to delays in acquiring modern replacements and the need to maintain operational capability. The fleet's age and recurring technical issues have raised concerns, but modernization and procurement of new aircraft have faced budgetary and logistical challenges.