Shock in Churu! IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes, Marks Second Accident in 3 Months

In a concerning incident on Tuesday morning, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Churu district, Rajasthan.

The aircraft took off from the Nal airbase in Bikaner for a routine training sortie before it went down in an open field near Churu.

According to initial reports, the pilot managed to eject safely using the emergency ejection system, avoiding any major injuries.

Status of the Pilot and Civilian Area

The IAF has confirmed that the pilot is safe and has been shifted to a nearby military hospital for a medical check-up.

Thankfully, the crash site was away from residential areas, and no civilian casualties or major property damage have been reported.

The local administration and IAF teams quickly cordoned off the area to secure sensitive parts of the wreckage.

Previous IAF Crash Incidents

This is the second Jaguar crash in three months, raising serious safety and maintenance questions about India’s aging fleet.

In April, another Jaguar crashed in Gujarat during a routine mission. Fortunately, the pilot also ejected safely in that case.

Jaguar aircraft, originally inducted in the late 1970s, have been a critical part of India’s deep strike and ground attack capabilities but have faced maintenance and upgrade challenges over the years.

Concerns Over Aging Fighter Fleet

The frequent crashes have reignited the debate over the modernization of IAF’s fighter fleet.

Experts have long urged for phased replacement of older jets and faster induction of modern aircraft to maintain operational readiness and pilot safety.

The Defence Ministry has initiated various upgrade programs, but delays and budget constraints continue to hinder swift implementation.