Jamnagar, Gujarat: A Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie near Suwarda village in Jamnagar on April 2, 2025. While one pilot safely ejected and has been rescued, a search operation is ongoing to locate the missing pilot.
IAF Fighter Jet Crash: Key Details
- The Jaguar fighter aircraft, a twin-seater, went down in open farmland approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city.
- Superintendent of Police (SP) Prem Sukh Delu stated, “One pilot ejected safely and has been taken to the hospital. Operations are ongoing to rescue the other pilot.”
- Jamnagar Collector Ketan Thakkar confirmed that the aircraft crashed in open ground, avoiding any civilian casualties or property damage. “The fire team has doused the flames and rescue teams are actively working at the site,” he added.
Past Incidents Involving Jaguar Aircraft
This incident comes after another Jaguar aircraft crash in Ambala, Haryana, on March 7, 2025. The fighter jet crashed shortly after taking off from the Ambala airbase during a routine training sortie due to a technical malfunction. The pilot successfully ejected safely after maneuvering the aircraft away from populated areas.
On the same day, an AN-32 transport plane also crash-landed in Bagdogra, West Bengal. While the Jaguar’s crash was attributed to a system malfunction, the cause of the AN-32’s emergency landing remains unknown.
Aircraft Specifications & Operational Concerns
The Jaguar fighter jet is a twin-engine bomber known for its ground-attack capabilities. First inducted into the IAF fleet in the late 1970s, the aircraft has undergone extensive upgrades over the years to enhance its performance and safety systems.
Despite these improvements, several Jaguar aircraft crashes have been reported over recent years, raising concerns about their operational reliability. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of this latest crash, focusing on technical faults, pilot error, and other potential factors.
Safety Measures & Future of Jaguar Aircraft
- The IAF is actively reviewing its Jaguar fleet as part of broader modernization efforts, with plans to phase out older aircraft and replace them with more advanced fighter jets.
- Experts recommend implementing enhanced training protocols and upgrading safety mechanisms to minimize the risk of similar accidents in the future.
Details of the Crash & Rescue Operations
- The Jaguar fighter jet was conducting a routine training sortie when it crashed in an open field in Suvarda village.
- District Superintendent of Police (SP) Prem Sukh Delu stated, “While one pilot safely ejected before the crash, another one is still missing. The aircraft caught fire after the crash landing. Police and firefighters have rushed to the spot and started searching for the missing pilot.”
- The rescued pilot has been taken to the hospital for treatment.
- Emergency response teams, including police and firefighters, are actively searching the crash site for the missing pilot.
Previous IAF Jaguar Crash in Ambala (March 7, 2025)
The latest incident follows a Jaguar fighter aircraft crash near Ambala, Haryana, on March 7, 2025. The aircraft encountered a system malfunction shortly after taking off from the Ambala Air Force base during a routine evening sortie.
The pilot in that incident ejected safely after maneuvering the jet away from populated areas, avoiding potential casualties. The Indian Air Force has initiated a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of that crash.
Jaguar Aircraft Overview & Safety Concerns
The Jaguar fighter jet is a twin-engine bomber widely used by the Indian Air Force for ground-attack missions. First inducted into the IAF fleet in the late 1970s, the aircraft has undergone several modernization efforts to enhance performance and safety.
Despite these upgrades, Jaguar aircraft have been involved in multiple accidents, raising concerns about their operational reliability. The IAF is gradually phasing out older Jaguar models and incorporating more advanced fighter jets to strengthen its fleet.
IAF Response & Investigation
- The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the Jamnagar crash.
- Authorities will examine technical faults, pilot error, weather conditions, and other contributing factors to determine the cause of the accident.
- Enhanced training protocols and safety measures are being considered to avoid future incidents.
