IAF Jet Crashes Call for Greater Simulation Training of Pilots

Three Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets have crashed during training so far this year.

- SATARUPA BHATTACHARJYA

One pilot died and another was injured in the latest incident in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on April 2. The IAF posted on X that the two-seat Jaguar crashed after being airborne at night. "The pilots faced a technical malfunction," and ejected, avoiding harm to the local population and the airfield, the statement said.

The other pilots managed to eject safely in the earlier crashes in Ambala, Punjab, and Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, on March 7 and February 25, respectively.

A paratrooper from the IAF's skydiving team died after crash-landing during a demonstration in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on April 5.

The IAF's inquiries into the three crashes—one Mirage and two Jaguar—are ongoing and have been categorized as "most severe". Jet accidents or incidents are placed in categories, depending on the extent of damage. This year's incidents or accidents are not unusual, going by global data, where the mishap rate is based on flight time. For the IAF, it's per 10,000 flying hours.