Outlook Business Desk
A twin-seater Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. This incident marks the third Jaguar crash reported so far this year.
The fighter jet had taken off from the Suratgarh air base and went down around 1:25 pm in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village, according to local officials.
Rajaldesar Station House Officer (SHO) Kamlesh said human body parts were recovered from the crash site, confirming fatalities in the IAF jet crash. “We are coordinating with defence officials and rescue personnel. More details will follow as the investigation progresses,” he said.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) posted on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
"The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families during this time of grief. Support and solidarity have been extended to those affected," IAF added.
The Indian Air Force faces a severe shortage of fighter jets and continues to operate ageing aircraft like the MiG-21 and Jaguar. India remains among the few nations still using such legacy fighters due to delays in modernisation.
Earlier this year, multiple reports revealed that the IAF operates just 31 squadrons—far below the required 42. With two MiG-21 squadrons barely operational due to safety concerns, the effective strength drops to just 29, raising serious questions about combat readiness.