IAF's challenges deepen as MiG-29 crashes near Agra, highlighting operational and strategic issues

PILOT EJECTS SAFELY; COURT OF INQUIRY ORDERED

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) faced another setback when a Russian-built MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near Agra of western Uttar Pradesh on Monday, during a routine training sortie. The incident occurred after the aircraft encountered a system malfunction, but the pilot managed to manoeuvre the plane away from populated areas, ensuring no damage to life or property before ejecting safely. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.

The crash is the latest in a series of mishaps involving IAF aircraft. Earlier incidents include a MiG-29 crash in Barmer, Rajasthan, due to a critical technical snag, and a Sukhoi-30 MKI crash in Maharashtra during a routine training sortie. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the IAF, including air crashes and the depletion of its fighter squadron strength.