On Wednesday, an Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in the Churu district of Rajasthan. The accident occurred near Bhanuda Bidawatan village in Churu, shortly after the aircraft took off, due to a technical malfunction that caused the pilot to lose control. The crash was so severe that the aircraft was completely destroyed, and both pilots on board were killed instantly.
Upon receiving the news of the incident, teams from the Air Force and local administration reached the crash site, but by then, the nation had lost two valiant pilots. The Air Force confirmed the accident, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic event and ordering a Court of Inquiry to determine the actual cause of the crash.
Who were these brave pilots?
The identities of the deceased pilots were made public a few hours after the accident. Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (44) and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23) lost their lives in the crash. Squadron Leader Sindhu hailed from the Rohtak district of Haryana, while Flight Lieutenant Singh was a resident of the Pali district of Rajasthan. Both pilots were known in the Air Force as skilled, dedicated, and disciplined officers.
The wreckage of the aircraft was found scattered in a field after the accident, but thankfully, no civilians or property were harmed in the crash. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and initiated protective measures.
Minister Rathore Expresses Condolences
Cabinet Minister and former military officer Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore expressed deep grief over the accident. He paid tribute to the two martyred pilots, stating that the event was an irreparable loss for the country. The Air Force, in its official statement, also mentioned that the Jaguar trainer aircraft was on a regular training mission when it crashed due to technical reasons.
The Air Force statement said, "Both pilots sustained serious injuries in the accident and could not be saved. The Air Force stands with the bereaved families in this hour of sorrow." It was also clarified that no civilian or property damage occurred in the accident.
Third Jaguar Crash This Year
The accident in Churu marks the third Jaguar crash in 2025. Previously, Jaguar aircraft had crashed on March 7 in Panchkula, Haryana, and on April 2 in Jamnagar, Gujarat. These consecutive accidents in three months are raising serious questions about the technical condition and safety standards of the Air Force's Jaguar fleet.
The Indian Air Force currently has approximately 120 Jaguar fighter jets deployed across six squadrons throughout the country. These aircraft are primarily used for training missions and low-altitude attacks.
Why are these old aircraft still in service?
The Jaguar aircraft were inducted into the Indian Air Force fleet in 1979. At that time, they were considered modern bombers, capable of precise strikes against enemy targets from low altitudes. However, these aircraft are now technologically outdated.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Oman, Ecuador, and Nigeria, which previously used the Jaguar, retired them many years ago. India is currently the only country still operating these aircraft.
Although the Air Force has made several technical upgrades to these aircraft over the years, issues like engine failures and technical malfunctions have periodically arisen. Investigation reports of past accidents have also indicated that engine failure was a major cause of these crashes.
What Next?
After the Churu accident, the debate has once again intensified on whether it is time for the Indian Air Force to remove these old fighter jets from its fleet. The Court of Inquiry's investigation report will clarify the cause of this accident — whether it was due to a technical malfunction, human error, or some other reason.
For now, the country has lost two more brave pilots who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. The Air Force has assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the families of the martyred pilots, and the full truth of the accident will be revealed.
