Second Indian Air Force Jaguar Crash in Less Than a Month Kills Pilot

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat state, during a night training mission, killing one pilot and severely injuring another.

The aircraft, a twin-seater variant, went down in an open field in Suvarda village, about 12 km from Jamnagar, and caught fire.

According to IAF officials, the pilots encountered a technical malfunction and ejected. One pilot was safely rescued and taken to the hospital, while the second pilot was initially missing before being confirmed dead. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

The incident marks the second Jaguar crash in less than a month. On March 7, another Jaguar crashed near Ambala, Haryana, after a system failure. The pilot ejected safely in that case.

The Jaguar has been in IAF service since the late 1970s, with multiple upgrades over the years. The aircraft, used for deep strike and maritime attack roles, has faced increasing maintenance challenges. Despite upgrades under the DARIN III program, concerns over aging airframes and power limitations remain.

The IAF plans to retire the oldest Jaguars between 2028 and 2031, replacing them with HAL Tejas Mk1A fighters while upgrading the remaining fleet. The recent crashes raise questions about the long-term viability of the aircraft as India modernizes its air force.