CHURU, India (Diya TV) — An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar Trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Churu, Rajasthan, on Wednesday afternoon, killing both pilots on board. The incident occurred around 1:25 p.m. in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village.
According to the IAF, the aircraft took off from the Suratgarh air base for a standard training sortie. Shortly after, it met with an accident and crashed in the rural fields. No civilian casualties or property damage have been reported.
A local farmer, who claimed to have witnessed the crash, said he saw plumes of smoke rising from his field. The eyewitness, quoted by ANI, said he believed the pilot made a conscious effort to steer the aircraft away from the village.
“Pilot tried his best to protect the village, I can say it for sure,” the man said.
He also reported finding a diary at the site, believed to belong to one of the pilots. The item was handed over to the local police, who reached the area soon after the incident.
The Indian Air Force issued a statement on the social media platform X, confirming the loss of two pilots in the crash.
“An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the statement read.
The IAF extended its condolences to the families of the deceased. “IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it added. Rajaldesar Station House Officer (SHO) Kamlesh said local police and rescue teams responded quickly. Human remains and parts of the aircraft were recovered from the crash site.
“We are coordinating closely with defense officials to assist with the investigation,” Kamlesh said.
The area has been secured to preserve the crash site for inquiry teams. Defense personnel and forensic experts are expected to analyze the wreckage to determine what went wrong. This crash marks the third incident involving an IAF Jaguar aircraft in 2025. In March, a Jaguar crashed near Ambala in Haryana during a sortie. The pilot ejected safely after steering the aircraft away from populated areas.
In April, another twin-seater Jaguar crashed shortly after takeoff near Jamnagar. That flight was part of a night mission. Both pilots ejected, but Squadron Leader Siddharth Yadav died due to injuries sustained during ejection. The second pilot survived.
The Jaguar aircraft has been part of the Indian Air Force since the late 1970s. Known for its low-level strike capabilities, the aircraft remains in service despite its aging technology. Several crashes in recent years have raised concerns about the fleet’s safety.
Defense analysts say continued upgrades and maintenance are critical if the Jaguar fleet is to remain operational in the coming years. The IAF has been working on improving avionics and engines for the fleet under ongoing modernization efforts. Military aviation experts note that training missions carry inherent risks, especially when conducted at low altitudes or during night operations.
The IAF maintains strict safety protocols, but technical failures and weather conditions can still pose serious threats. The court of inquiry will examine various factors, including mechanical issues, flight data, and communication logs. The final report is expected to offer recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As news of the crash spread, tributes poured in on social media for the two fallen pilots. Fellow officers, veterans, and civilians alike honored their service and sacrifice. Officials have not yet released the names of the pilots, pending notification of their families.
