Third Jaguar crash in 2025 prompts Air Force inquiry; no civilian damage reported
Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed on Wednesday when a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Churu, Rajasthan.
According to the IAF, the Sepecat Jaguar two-seater jet went down at around 1:25pm near Bhanoda village, in Rajaldesar, with both pilots sustaining fatal injuries. Thankfully, there were no civilian casualties or property damage reported in the incident.
“IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the Air Force said in an official statement.
A court of inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.
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Pattern of crashes raises concern
This marks the third Jaguar crash in India this year:
- April 2: A Jaguar crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, killing the pilot.
- March: Another Jaguar went down in Ambala, Haryana, following a technical malfunction—though the pilot ejected safely.
India remains the only country still operating the Jaguar, a British-French-built aircraft first inducted by the IAF in 1979.
“The frequency of accidents involving Jaguars in 2025 alone is alarming,” a senior aviation analyst told Dhaka Tribune.
IAF safety under scrutiny
The crash has renewed scrutiny over the operational life and safety of older aircraft in India’s military arsenal. While the IAF continues to rely on Jaguars for ground-attack missions, many experts argue that the aging fleet urgently requires replacement.
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