IAF Jaguar jet crash Churu: A twin‑seater IAF Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Churu, Rajasthan on July 9, 2025, killing two pilots.
On July 9, 2025, tragedy struck Rajasthan’s Churu district when a twin‑seater IAF Jaguar trainer jet crashed during a routine low‑level training sortie. Both pilots onboard lost their lives, and the Indian Air Force has launched a court of inquiry to uncover what went wrong. This is the third crash involving a Jaguar jet this year—raising pressing questions about safety, maintenance, and fleet modernization.
What happened in Churu?
The crash occurred around 12:30 pm near Bhanuda/Bhavana Badavane village in Churu’s Ratangarh tehsil.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a huge plume of black smoke, sparking fear and panic.
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Rescue teams found severely damaged wreckage scattered in an agriculture field. Tragically, both pilots died from their injuries.
No civilian properties were damaged, according to official IAF sources.
Why are such crashes happening often?
- Jaguars are vintage jets
- Developed in the late 1960s and inducted into the IAF in 1979, these jets have served over 45 years.
- Although avionics like DARIN III have been upgraded, they still fly on legacy engines and old airframes.
- Spares are difficult to get—IAF has had to cannibalize retired jets just to keep others flying.
- Safety risks of low‑level flights
Training missions near ground level (under 150 m) are risky. A stray bird strike, tower, or windmill can be disastrous.
- Rising accident frequency
This is the third Jaguar crash since March 2025:
- March: Crash near Ambala; pilot ejected safely.
- April: Crash in Jamnagar, Gujarat; one pilot died, another injured.
- July 9: Churu, Rajasthan; both pilots killed.
IAF official reaction & next steps
The IAF confirmed the crash on its official X handle, expressing deep regret and stating no civilian harm was reported.
A court of inquiry is in process to determine the exact cause.
Local authorities cordoned off the crash site to ensure smooth rescue and investigation operations.
Are Jaguars still flying? Yes—and why
The IAF is the only air force still using Jaguars, despite their British‑French origin.
Key reasons:
There’s no immediate alternative: delays in delivering HAL Tejas and no imported replacements have created a gap.
With squadron counts shrinking (from 42 to 31), phasing out old jets now could harm India’s defence readiness.
Upgrades like avionics and spare‑parts stockpiling are keeping them, airworthy—planned retirement is around 2035, extending to 2040 for some.
What’s next for the IAF?
Area Plan
Investigation: A court of inquiry will study whether it was bird strike, engine failure, or control loss.
Safety Protocol Review of low‑level sortie rules, pilot refresher training, and protective measures.
Fleet Modernisation Continue phasing out Jaguars. Speed up induction of HAL Tejas and future AMCA jets.
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Defence readiness: Frequent crashes dent morale and readiness—training and mission capability take a hit.
Safety standards: With three crashes in five months, urgent review of procedures and readiness is crucial.
Modernisation push: India needs to reduce reliance on old platforms and quickly deploy indigenous aircraft.
FAQs
Q1: When did the crash happen?
A1: On July 9, 2025, around 12:30 pm near Bhanuda village in Churu district.
Q2: What caused it?
A2: Officially unknown. The IAF has set up a court of inquiry. Common causes: technical failure, bird strike, low-flight hazards.
Q3: How many Jaguar crashes in 2025?
A3: Three:
- March near Ambala (pilot ejected)
- April in Jamnagar (one pilot killed)
- July in Churu (both pilots killed)
Q4: Why are Jaguars still in use?
A4: They’re vintage but upgraded. No immediate replacements, Tejas delays & AMCA still in development. Expected to fly till 2035–2040.
Q5: What action is being taken?
A5: Inquiry ordered, crash-site secured. The IAF will tighten safety norms and press for faster induction of newer jets.
IAF Jaguar jet crash Churu
The Churu crash is more than tragic news—it shows India’s urgent challenge: balancing safety, training demands, and pushing forward with indigenously built modern fighters. The ongoing inquiry will shed light on immediate fixes, but long-term change lies in fleet modernisation and safety upgrades.