IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan’s Churu; Two Pilots Killed During Routine Training Flight

A tragic Indian Air Force (IAF) jet crash claimed the lives of two pilots on Wednesday when a Jaguar twin-seater trainer aircraft went down during a routine training mission. The crash occurred around mid-day near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district.

The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh air base earlier in the day. Both pilots onboard were killed in the crash, the IAF confirmed 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,” said the IAF.

Officials confirmed that no civilian property was damaged in the incident. The Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its personnel and extended condolences to the grieving families.

“The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the statement added.

Following the crash, thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site, and parts of human remains were reportedly scattered around the field. IAF helicopters and emergency teams were immediately dispatched to secure the area.

A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Previous Jaguar Fighter Jet Incidents

This is not the first incident involving the Jaguar fleet. On March 7, a Jaguar fighter crashed in Panchkula, Haryana, though the pilot managed to eject safely.

In April, another Jaguar two-seater crashed shortly after takeoff during a night training mission at the Jamnagar airfield in Gujarat. The pilots reported a technical malfunction mid-air and ejected to avoid endangering nearby civilian areas. Tragically, Pilot Siddharth Yadav succumbed to injuries from the ejection, while the second pilot survived with injuries.