IAF Jaguar Jet Crash: Two Pilots Killed, Third Incident Since March

Key Details

• Crash Location: Bhanuda village, Churu district, Rajasthan
• Date: July 9, 2025
• Aircraft Type: SEPECAT Jaguar (twin-seater trainer)
• Fatalities: Both pilots lost their lives.
• Mission: Routine training sortie; the jet had taken off from Suratgarh air base.
• Response: Emergency teams and local administration responded swiftly; a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause.

Recent Jaguar Crashes (Since March 2025)

• March 2025 Ambala, Haryana Jaguar crash during a sortie 1 pilot killed
• April 2025 Jamnagar, Gujarat Night training mission, technical malfunction 1 pilot killed, 1 injured
• July 2025 Churu, Rajasthan Routine training, jet crashed in a field 2 pilots killed

Concerns Over Ageing Jaguar Fleet: The Jaguar has been in IAF service since 1979, originally inducted for deep penetration strike roles.

With over 50 accidents in 45 years, the aircraft's continued use has come under scrutiny, especially as other countries have retired their Jaguar fleets.

The IAF currently operates about 115–120 Jaguars, but only around 83 are fully operational as of April 2025.

Experts and former pilots have raised concerns about the lack of modern safety features (such as automatic ejection seats) and the increasing risks associated with operating ageing aircraft.

Official Response

The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of its personnel and has assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

Rajasthan’s Chief Minister and defence officials have extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for urgent review and relief measures.

The series of crashes has reignited debate over the need to phase out the Jaguar fleet and accelerate the induction of modern aircraft.

The IAF faces operational challenges, including an aircraft shortage and the burden of maintaining older platforms.

In summary: The tragic loss of two pilots in the latest Jaguar crash highlights urgent safety concerns and the pressing need for fleet modernization within the Indian Air Force.