Another Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan: Two Pilots Dead, Third Incident in 2025 Raises Serious Safety Questions

Churu, Rajasthan:
In a devastating blow to the Indian Air Force (IAF), another Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission near Churu, Rajasthan, on Wednesday. This is the third Jaguar crash in just four months, raising alarming concerns about the operational safety of the aging fleet.

Details of the Crash

According to official reports, the ill-fated Jaguar trainer jet took off from Suratgarh Airbase and crashed in a field near Banuda village at approximately 1:25 PM. Both pilots on board tragically lost their lives. Fortunately, no civilian property was damaged in the incident.

District Magistrate Abhishek Sharma, speaking to the media from the crash site, described the scene as “completely scattered and devastated,” making it difficult to immediately ascertain the number of casualties or whether the pilots managed to eject. Human remains were found near the wreckage, confirming the loss of life.

String of Crashes Raises Alarm

This latest crash marks the third Jaguar accident in 2025 alone:

April 2025, Gujarat: A twin-seater Jaguar crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad due to technical failure. One pilot died, and the other was injured after ejecting.
March 2025, Ambala, Haryana: Another Jaguar crashed during training. The pilot successfully steered the jet away from populated areas and ejected in time, escaping with his life.

Each incident has intensified scrutiny of the IAF’s Jaguar fleet and its operational safety standards.

Court of Inquiry Ordered

The Indian Air Force has announced a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the latest crash. “A Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Churu, Rajasthan. Both pilots lost their lives. There was no damage to civilian property. The cause of the accident will be investigated,” the IAF said in an official statement.

Expert Analysis and Ongoing Investigation

While initial reports suggest technical malfunction as a possible cause, officials emphasize that a thorough analysis by IAF teams is underway. “We are still trying to ascertain exactly what happened—whether the pilots ejected and how many casualties occurred. The official details will be released after a complete investigation,” added District Magistrate Sharma.

Aging Fleet Under Scrutiny

The repeated crashes have raised pressing questions about the safety and longevity of the Jaguar fleet, which has served the IAF for decades. Experts and defense analysts are calling for urgent upgrades or replacements to prevent further tragedies.

What’s Next for the Indian Air Force?

With three crashes in four months, will the IAF take decisive action to modernize its fleet and ensure pilot safety? Stay tuned for updates as investigations continue.