Recent Jaguar Aircraft Crashes Raise Concerns for Indian Air Force

Multiple Crashes of Jaguar Aircraft

In recent years, the Indian Air Force has faced several incidents involving the MiG-21 aircraft, which has been dubbed a 'flying coffin' due to its alarming crash statistics. Over the past 62 years, there have been around 200 accidents involving this aircraft. Currently, discussions are intensifying regarding another incident involving an IAF aircraft, which has experienced three crashes in the last five months alone. The latest incident occurred near Bhanuda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, on July 9, when a Jaguar fighter jet crashed, resulting in the tragic deaths of two pilots. A police official reported that the aircraft took off from Suratgarh Airbase around 1:25 PM and went down in a field near the village. The IAF confirmed that both pilots sustained serious injuries. In a post on social media, the Air Force stated that the Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission in Churu, Rajasthan, injuring both pilots severely. Notably, this marks the third Jaguar crash this year; a previous incident in April in Gujarat resulted in one pilot's death, while another crash occurred in Haryana in March.

Formation of Inquiry Committee

An inquiry committee has been established to investigate the crash that took place on July 9, marking the fifth crash of the year. Earlier, a Mirage and a transport aircraft, the AN-32, also met with accidents. Questions are being raised about whether the Jaguar aircraft are becoming outdated, leading to these crashes. However, retired Wing Commander Rohit Kadyan, who served as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, disagrees with this notion. He stated, 'I flew this fighter jet for 20 years. The Air Force's maintenance is excellent, but predicting when a technical fault might occur is impossible. The cockpit of the Jaguar is pilot-friendly.'

Details About the Jaguar Aircraft

The Indian Air Force operates six squadrons of Jaguar fighter jets, which were developed through a collaboration between the UK and France. Thanks to its high wing loading design, the Jaguar can maintain stable flight at lower altitudes and can reach speeds of up to 1,700 kilometers per hour. This twin-engine aircraft has been a part of the Indian Air Force since the 1970s.

Comparisons with MiG-21

Historically, the MiG-21 fighter jet experienced numerous crashes, leading to its infamous nickname, 'flying coffin.' In 2013, then-Defense Minister A.K. Antony revealed in Parliament that from 1963 to 2012, the MiG-21 had crashed 482 times, resulting in the loss of 171 pilots. Wing Commander Kadyan emphasized that the Jaguar cannot be compared to the MiG-21, as the latter had specific issues, particularly with its engine. Once those problems were identified, they were addressed. The Jaguar, on the other hand, does not have such issues and has undergone multiple upgrades by the Air Force, incorporating the latest navigation technology, making it very stable even at lower altitudes.