‘Fatal Injuries’: IAF Confirms Death Of 2 Pilots In Jaguar Trainer Crash In Rajasthan, Court Of Inquiry Ordered
An IAF Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Churu, Rajasthan, killing both pilots during a routine training mission. The crash scattered debris across a 200-foot radius, villagers said.
In Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar Trainer aircraft tragically crashed today near Churu in Rajasthan during a routine training mission, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The IAF confirmed the incident, stating, "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...A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident."
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.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 9, 2025
IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the deaths as he posted, "Deeply pained by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF’s Jaguar trainer aircraft near Churu in Rajasthan. Their service to the nation will always be remembered. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness."
Deeply pained by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF’s Jaguar trainer aircraft near Churu in Rajasthan. Their service to the nation will always be remembered. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness. https://t.co/zMQqSBoyOD
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 9, 2025
Burning Parts Of IAF Jet Found Scattered Within 200-Ft Radius, Eyewitness Says
The fighter jet crashed in Bhanuda village under the Rajaldesar police station area of Churu district. Churu Superintendent of Police Jai Yadav confirmed the crash, stating that police teams had been dispatched to the site. Severely mutilated body parts were recovered near the wreckage, and a massive crater had formed at the crash site with aircraft debris scattered across the area, according to news agency IANS.
Eyewitnesses from Bhanuda village described a harrowing scene, reporting that the aircraft "was seen falling from the sky in flames and crashed in a field near Charanan Mohalla on Sikrali Road." According to IANS, villagers further observed, "burning parts of the jet were found scattered within a 200-foot radius." Locals from Bhanuda and surrounding areas immediately rushed to the crash site.
This marks the third Jaguar fighter jet crash this year for the IAF. Previous incidents include a Jaguar crash in Panchkula, Haryana, on March 7, and another near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on April 2. The Jaguar, a twin-engine, ground-attack fighter-bomber, is utilised by the IAF in both single and twin-seat variants. Despite its age, these aircraft remain a crucial part of the IAF fleet and have undergone extensive upgrades over the years. Further details regarding the incident are awaited from the Indian Air Force.
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