Our Bureau
Jaipur
A routine training mission turned tragic on Wednesday afternoon when a twin-seater Jaguar trainer jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, killing both pilots on board. The incident, which occurred around 1:25 pm, marks the third Jaguar crash this year, raising renewed concerns about the ageing fleet’s safety.
The IAF identified the deceased as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 31, from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23, from Pali, Rajasthan. Both officers were conducting a routine sortie when the aircraft went down, leaving no survivors. The jet, which had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase, crashed into an agricultural field, miraculously causing no civilian casualties or property damage.
Local residents described hearing a loud explosion followed by plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. Eyewitnesses reported that the pilots appeared to steer the aircraft away from populated areas, likely preventing further loss of life. Emergency services and security forces quickly cordoned off the area, and a team from the Rajaldesar Police Station launched an immediate investigation.
The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of its personnel, stating, “Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. 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 ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash.
The SEPECAT Jaguar, a British-French supersonic jet inducted into the IAF in 1979, has been heavily upgraded over the decades. However, with India now the only country still operating Jaguars, the series of recent accidents has intensified calls for their phased retirement. Previous inquiries into Jaguar crashes have often cited engine failures and outdated safety features as contributing factors.
Condolences poured in from across the country, with Rajasthan’s Chief Minister and other leaders expressing sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families. As the IAF investigates, the nation mourns the loss of two dedicated officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
