New Delhi, April 3, 2025— In a heartbreaking incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life after a Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a night training mission in Gujarat’s Jamnagar. The twin-seater aircraft went down in Suvarda village, located around 12 kilometers from Jamnagar city. The other pilot, who was also onboard, sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash in an official statement, noting that the aircraft encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight. According to the IAF report, the pilots performed an ejection due to technical problems in order to protect both the airfield and surrounding residents. Unfortunately, one of the pilots could not survive despite the emergency ejection.
Indian Air Force official statement
The IAF took to social media to express grief over the loss of its brave officer. IAF deeply expresses sorrow about the fatality while standing fully beside the mourning family. The force declared the issuing of a court of inquiry to determine the accident’s root cause following this incident.
Visuals from the crash site painted a grim picture. Videos captured by locals showed flames rising from a field, with aircraft debris—including the cockpit and tail—scattered and burning across the area. Emergency teams rushed to the scene to control the fire and secure the wreckage.
According to IAF officials, the aircraft was on a routine training sortie at the time of the incident. The Jaguar, a reliable twin-engine fighter bomber, has been an integral part of the Indian Air Force fleet for decades. First inducted in the late 1970s, the Jaguar is known for its versatility and has been extensively upgraded to keep it combat-ready.
The Jaguar comes in both single-seat and twin-seat variants, used for ground attack, reconnaissance, and training missions. Its proven performance and long service record have made it one of the backbone aircraft of the IAF, even as newer models like the Rafale and Tejas have been introduced.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, this incident once again highlights the risks and bravery involved in military aviation. Training missions, though routine, demand extreme focus, skill, and quick decision-making, especially when faced with technical issues.
The IAF has assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out to identify the cause of the malfunction and take necessary corrective measures. In the meantime, the entire nation mourns the loss of a courageous officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the pilot’s family and the Indian Air Force fraternity.
