IAF Jaguar Trainer Jet Crashes Near Churu, Rajasthan — Two Pilots Killed

A routine training mission turned fatal on Wednesday afternoon when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, claiming the lives of both pilots onboard.

The incident took place around 1:25 p.m. during what the IAF described as a routine training mission. The aircraft went down in an agricultural area, but fortunately, no civilian casualties or damage to property were reported.

In a brief official statement, the Indian Air Force confirmed the loss of lives and expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased pilots. The IAF also announced that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.

Eyewitnesses in the village said they heard a loud explosion and saw debris burning in the field. Locals rushed to the site immediately. Soon after, police personnel, fire services, and ambulances arrived and cordoned off the area.

Local police confirmed that body parts were discovered near the wreckage. The administration acted swiftly to secure the site and begin formal procedures.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Governor Haribhau Bagade expressed their grief over the incident. The Chief Minister posted his condolences and stated that emergency services had been mobilized without delay to handle the aftermath.

The Jaguar aircraft, a long-serving part of India’s Air Force fleet, has seen multiple incidents in recent years, raising concerns about the aging platform. Despite ongoing upgrades, the aircraft continues to be part of IAF operations, especially for ground-attack and training missions.