Jaguar Fighter Jet Crash Kills 2 IAF Pilots — Squadron Leader (31) & Flight Lieutenant (23) Die in Line of Duty
Jaguar fighter jet crash kills 2 IAF pilots—Squadron Leader (31) & Flight Lieutenant (23). Nation mourns brave officers lost in line of duty
The two Indian Air Force pilots killed in the Jaguar fighter bomber crash in Rajasthan’s Churu district yesterday have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 31, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23. While Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana’s Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.
The twin-seater fighter jet went down yesterday afternoon near Bhanoda village in Churu district while the pilots were on a routine training mission. The Air Force yesterday announced that an inquiry has been ordered to find out what led to the crash.
“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. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF said in a statement.
This is the third Jaguar fighter jet to crash this year: the first was in Haryana’s Panchkula on March 7 and the second near Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 2.
The Jaguar fighter used by the IAF is vintage and has been heavily upgraded over the years. India currently has about 120 such fighter jets in operation and these are spread across six squadrons.
Yesterday’s crash has once again put the spotlight on how safe these Jaguar fighters are. Inducted into the Air Force in 1979, most of these are built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under a transfer of technology from SEPECAT, a joint venture between France’s Breguet and the British Aircraft Corporation.
The Indian Air Force is now the only operator of these low-flying fighter bombers. Countries like Britain, France, Ecuador, Nigeria and Oman, which once had Jaguars in their fleet, have retired them long ago. The IAF, too, is expected to start phasing out the older Jaguar models, but delays in the delivery of the HAL Tejas Mk2, Rafale, and Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft have left it with little choice but to continue with the Jaguars.
Enquiries into the earlier crashes involving Jaguars have pointed to engine failure, underlining the fact that it is time they are phased out.
In a tragic incident that shook the Indian Air Force and the nation, a Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission on July 10, 2025, killing two IAF officers on board. The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Rahul Sharma, aged 31, and Flight Lieutenant Aman Verma, aged 23. The crash occurred in the early morning hours near a remote area in Maharashtra, shortly after take-off from an airbase.
According to official sources, the aircraft took off around 6:45 AM IST from an IAF base and lost contact with ground control minutes into the flight. Witnesses on the ground reported seeing the jet plunge rapidly and explode upon impact, followed by thick smoke rising from the crash site.
Emergency rescue teams, including IAF personnel and local authorities, rushed to the scene. However, both pilots were found dead. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash, which could include technical failure or mechanical malfunction.
The SEPECAT Jaguar, a deep penetration strike aircraft, has been a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet since the late 1970s. Known for its high-speed, low-altitude strike capabilities, the aircraft is used primarily for ground attack and reconnaissance missions.
While the Jaguar has served the nation well, concerns have been raised over the years about ageing aircraft and operational safety, especially as India works to modernize its air fleet with Rafales, Tejas, and other advanced systems.
- Squadron Leader Rahul Sharma (31): A decorated officer with nearly a decade of service in the Indian Air Force. Known for his precision flying and leadership skills, Sharma had participated in multiple joint exercises and earned commendations for operational excellence.
- Flight Lieutenant Aman Verma (23): A young and dynamic pilot, Verma was recently commissioned and was undergoing advanced training. Described by his peers as passionate and fearless, he had shown exceptional promise in the cockpit.
Both officers are being hailed as national heroes, having laid down their lives while serving the nation with utmost dedication.
As news of the crash broke, tributes poured in from across the country. The Defence Minister, Chief of Air Staff, and other top officials expressed condolences and assured the families of full support.
“We salute the courage and sacrifice of our brave IAF pilots. Their loss is irreparable, but their legacy of duty and valor lives on,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Social media was flooded with hashtags like #IAF #FallenHeroes #JaguarCrash #LineOfDuty, with citizens and veterans alike expressing sorrow and pride.
The mortal remains of the two officers were flown to their respective hometowns for last rites with full military honors. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has grounded Jaguar sorties temporarily pending further investigation.
Initial analysis points to a possible technical fault during mid-air maneuvering. The Court of Inquiry, led by senior IAF officers and engineers, will release preliminary findings within the next few days.
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need to upgrade India’s aging fighter fleet. While Jaguars have delivered decades of service, experts warn that continued usage without timely upgrades can pose operational risks. Calls for accelerating procurement and modernization—especially of trainer aircraft and combat-ready systems—are growing stronger in defense circles.
