Indian Air Force Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan’s Churu; Both Pilots Killed
CHURU, Rajasthan: July 09, 2025: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed this afternoon in village Bhanuda near Ratangarh in the Churu district of Rajasthan, killing the two pilots on board. The crash, which occurs at around 1:25 PM IST during a routine training mission, has been ordered by the IAF to conduct a Court of Inquiry regarding the accident.
Training Mission Ends Up in Disaster
Eyewitnesses probably in the village of Bhanuda have reported that there was a loud explosion, after which they were greeted with plumes of smoke and flames emerging from an agricultural field, where the jet struck. Local residents immediately dashed to the accident site, and some of them attempted to put out the flames before emergency services arrived. The incident left fatal wreckage with debris scattered over a wide area.
Confirmed Death Of Pilots
The IAF admits that the judgment by granting into the stern and condolence by that about bereavement of families of pilots. The identity of the pilots remains withheld; however, authorities have turned their eyes upon recovering from the crash site any distinguished military identification from remains pulled from pieces. Civilian property damage has not been reported on the ground.
Prompt Action & Ongoing Investigation
Immediately after receiving news of this crash, District Collector Abhishek Surana and senior police officials, including Churu Superintendent of Police Jai Yadav, rushed to the scene to organize coordination of the rescue and recovery efforts. Police secured the area under the protection of an Army rescue team, and the investigation process is going on. The aircraft took off from Suratgarh air base.
Third Crash of Jaguar This Year
This would be the third case of IAF Jaguar casualty for the year, drawing attention to the aging fleet. In March 2025, another Jaguar crashed near Ambala, Haryana, with the pilot ejecting safely. In April also, a Jaguar crashed near Jamnagar Air Force Base in Gujarat, killing one pilot while the other managed to eject. The SEPECAT Jaguar, a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft, has been the mainstay of deep penetration strike capabilities in the Indian Air Force since coming into operation at the end of the 1970s. Despite extensive upgrade work, repeated incidents indicate challenges of keeping an old fleet operational.
