Churu, Rajasthan: A twin-seater Jaguar trainer jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie on Tuesday afternoon in Rajasthan’s Churu district. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of both pilots on board — Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (31) and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23).
Crash Location and Time
The aircraft went down around 1:25 PM near Bhanuda village in Churu district. The jet was on a scheduled low-level training mission when it reportedly lost control and crashed into an agricultural field. Fortunately, no civilian casualties or property damage were reported on the ground.
Who Were the Pilots?
- Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu hailed from Rohtak, Haryana. A decorated pilot with over 1,200 flight hours, he had extensive experience flying Jaguar aircraft.
- Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, from Pali, Rajasthan, was a promising young officer who had recently joined active flying duty after completing advanced training.
Eyewitness Accounts
Villagers who witnessed the crash stated that the pilots made a valiant effort to steer the aircraft away from populated areas. One eyewitness said, “The pilot was circling, trying to avoid the village. He gave his life to protect us.” Personal belongings like a diary and helmet were found near the wreckage, offering a glimpse into the pilots’ final moments.
IAF’s Official Response
The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest a possible technical failure, but a detailed investigation is underway.
Third Jaguar Crash in 2025
This incident marks the third Jaguar crash in India this year:
- March 7: Jaguar crashed near Ambala. Pilot ejected safely.
- April 2: Another crash occurred in Jamnagar, Gujarat, claiming one pilot’s life.
- July 9: Churu crash with two fatalities.
Why Jaguars Are Still in Service?
The SEPECAT Jaguar is a deep-penetration strike aircraft introduced into the IAF in the late 1970s. Despite its age, the IAF continues to operate Jaguars due to delays in the induction of modern aircraft. However, concerns over safety have grown due to the lack of modern features like automatic ejection seats and airframe fatigue.
Public and Government Reaction
Tributes poured in from across the country. The Defence Minister expressed condolences and assured full support to the families of the deceased. Many defense experts have called for faster modernization of the IAF fleet to prevent further tragedies.
Conclusion
The loss of two brave pilots in the Churu crash has once again highlighted the risks faced by armed forces personnel during peacetime operations. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial for the IAF to address the aging Jaguar fleet and prioritize pilot safety in future deployments.