IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan: A Timeline of Recent IAF Accidents
(File Photo | PTI)
In a tragic incident that has once again raised serious questions over India’s ageing air fleet, an IAF Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Bhanuda village in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday, July 9. The aircraft, a twin-seater trainer version of the Jaguar, had taken off from the Suratgarh air base and was on a training mission when it went down.
Both pilots onboard the IAF Jaguar were killed in the crash, making it the fourth fighter jet crash in India this year alone. This Churu fighter jet crash highlights a concerning pattern that has emerged in recent years: an increasing number of fighter jet crashes attributed to technical snags and system malfunctions.
Rajasthan Plane Crash News: What Happened?
According to the official statement from the Indian Air Force, the Jaguar aircraft crashed due to a suspected technical issue. The plane crash today scattered debris over a large area, with no reported casualties on the ground. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the causes of the Jaguar crash.
A Pattern of Crashes: India’s Recent Fighter Jet Accidents
The latest IAF plane crash in Rajasthan is only one in a string of similar incidents involving Indian Air Force aircraft. Below is a detailed timeline:
July 2025: Jaguar Crash in Churu, Rajasthan
- Date: July 9, 2025
- Aircraft: Jaguar Trainer Jet
- Location: Bhanuda village, Churu, Rajasthan
- Casualties: 2 pilots killed
- Cause: Suspected technical snag
April 2025: Jaguar Crash in Gujarat
- Location: Near Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Outcome: Jet turned into a fireball; 1 pilot dead
- Mission: Training sortie
March 2025: Twin Aircraft Incidents
- Incident 1: AN-32 transport aircraft crash-landed in Bagdogra, West Bengal. All crew safe.
- Incident 2: Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Ambala, Haryana due to system malfunction. Pilot ejected safely.
February 2025: Mirage 2000 Crash in Madhya Pradesh
- Location: Shivpuri district
- Outcome: Both pilots ejected safely
November 2024: MiG-29 Crash in Agra
- Mission: Routine sortie
- Outcome: Pilot safe; crash due to technical glitch
September 2024: MiG-29 Night Crash in Barmer, Rajasthan
- Outcome: Pilot ejected safely; jet faced "critical technical snag"
June 2024: Sukhoi-30 MKI Crash in Maharashtra
- Location: Shirasgaon, Nashik
- Outcome: Pilots ejected safely; jet caught fire post-crash
March 2024: HAL Tejas Crash in Jaisalmer
- Mission: Operational training sortie
- Outcome: Pilot safe; court of inquiry launched
Why Are These Crashes Happening?
Experts cite several reasons for the frequent fighter jet crashes in India:
- Ageing aircraft fleets like the Jaguar and MiG-29
- Delayed upgrades to outdated avionics and systems
- Training sorties using older aircraft
- Inadequate spare parts and logistic issues
Defence Expert Speaks
Air Marshal (Retd) R.K. Sharma:
“Even with top-tier pilot training and maintenance, if the aircraft tech is outdated, accidents are bound to happen.”
The Bigger Issue: Time to Retire Old Warbirds
The IAF continues to operate vintage jets like the Jaguar aircraft, originally introduced in the 1970s. Despite several upgrades, these jets are now considered unsafe for advanced training and combat missions.
Modernization Urgently Needed
India is working to modernize its fleet through:
- HAL Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2 production
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
- Induction of additional Rafale jets
But delays in execution are keeping these plans from fully materializing.
Conclusion: Red Alert for the Indian Air Force
The Churu fighter jet crash is not an isolated case. It's a signal of systemic problems that need urgent attention. As the Jaguar crash joins a growing list of IAF mishaps, the message is clear: India’s brave pilots deserve modern, safe, and reliable aircraft.
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