A major aircraft accident occurred today in the Ratangarh area of Churu district, Rajasthan. According to reports, a fighter plane of the Indian Air Force crashed near Bhanuda village due to technical reasons.
Fighter jet crashes: A major military accident took place on Wednesday in the Ratangarh area of Churu district, Rajasthan, when a Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed. The incident occurred around 12:40 PM, when the aircraft was on a routine training mission. According to defense sources, this is the third major crash of an Indian Air Force Jaguar jet in 2025, raising several questions about military technical safety.
An unidentified body recovered from the crash site
A body has been recovered from the wreckage of the aircraft, whose identity has not yet been officially confirmed. Initial reports suggest that the body may be that of the pilot, but DNA testing and forensic investigations are awaited for confirmation. A joint team of local police and the Air Force has sealed the entire area. Security forces have been deployed in the surrounding villages to prevent anyone from approaching the wreckage.
The Jaguar fighter jets used by the Indian Air Force are considered technically old. In March of this year, a Jaguar aircraft crashed due to technical failure shortly after taking off from the Ambala airbase in Haryana. In April, Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav died in a Jaguar crash in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Now, this accident in Churu in July raises questions about the technical capabilities of this old fleet for the third time. However, the Air Force has not yet clarified the cause of the accident.
Panic among locals, army takes charge
Villagers of Ratangarh said that they heard a loud noise in the sky and then saw a ball of fire falling to the ground. Local resident Babulal Meena said, "We were working in the field when a loud explosion occurred, and we saw smoke rising. When we reached the site, the aircraft was on fire." Immediately after the incident, the Indian Air Force's emergency team, fire brigade, and district administration reached the spot. The army has cordoned off the scene and is searching for the black box and other technical equipment.
