Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 10: In a tragic incident that has once again raised serious concerns about the operational safety of India’s ageing Jaguar fighter fleet, two Indian Air Force pilots lost their lives after a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission in Rajasthan's Churu district.
The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (44) from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23), a native of Pali, Rajasthan. The twin-seater fighter jet went down near Bhanoda village in Churu on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the IAF community and their families in mourning.
In an official statement, the Indian Air Force expressed deep regret over the fatal mishap, saying, “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. No damage to any civil property has been reported. A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
This marks the third Jaguar crash in 2025, following similar accidents in Panchkula (Haryana) on March 7 and Jamnagar (Gujarat) on April 2. With recurring technical failures — particularly engine-related — the crash has reignited debate over the continued use of these decades-old aircraft.
First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1979, the Jaguar fighter bombers were produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of a technology transfer from SEPECAT, a Franco-British joint venture. Despite numerous upgrades, the aircraft now shows signs of fatigue, prompting aviation experts to push for its phased retirement.
India is currently the only country still operating the Jaguar, after nations like Britain, France, Oman, Nigeria, and Ecuador retired their fleets. The IAF maintains around 120 Jaguars across six squadrons, and while plans to replace them with HAL Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and other Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) are underway, delays in induction have prolonged reliance on this vintage platform.
With another life-threatening reminder of the risks associated with ageing aircraft, aviation analysts are once again calling for accelerated modernization of the IAF’s frontline fleet. Meanwhile, the nation mourns the loss of two brave officers who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.