An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, and another sustained severe injuries after a Jaguar two-seater fighter aircraft crashed during a night mission in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Wednesday.
The aircraft went down in an open field in Suvarda village, approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city, and caught fire upon impact. The IAF confirmed in a statement on X that the pilots faced a technical malfunction and attempted to eject to avoid harming the airfield and the local population.
“Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar. The IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family,” the statement read.
Following the crash, the IAF ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the incident.
This marks the second Jaguar crash in recent months. On March 7, another Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Ambala, Haryana, after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot ejected safely in that incident. A separate Court of Inquiry was launched to investigate that crash.
The Jaguar aircraft, a crucial part of the IAF fleet since the late 1970s, has undergone multiple upgrades over the years. However, concerns over aging aircraft and operational safety persist as investigations into these crashes continue.
Sources By Agencies
