Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives on Wednesday afternoon after a twin-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:25 PM. The aircraft had taken off earlier in the day from the Suratgarh Air Force base in Rajasthan. According to official sources, there was no reported damage to civilian life or property in the vicinity of the crash site.

The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, issuing a statement: “The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.” An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

This marks the third Jaguar crash in 2025, raising concerns about the operational safety of the aging fleet. The first incident occurred on March 7 in Haryana’s Panchkula, while the second took place near Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 2.

The Jaguar is a twin-engine ground attack aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force in both single-seat and twin-seat variants. Despite being a vintage platform, the aircraft continues to serve in frontline roles after undergoing significant upgrades over the years to improve avionics, weapons systems, and mission performance.

India currently operates an estimated 120 Jaguar fighter jets, deployed across six active squadrons. The jets are primarily used for ground attack, reconnaissance, and maritime strike roles.

As investigations proceed, aviation experts and defense analysts are likely to closely examine the pattern of recent accidents involving Jaguars, particularly in the context of aging airframes and increasing maintenance demands. (ILKHA)