IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes Near Jamnagar; One Pilot Killed, Inquiry Ordered

The Indian Air Force has launched an inquiry into the crash of a Jaguar fighter jet near the Jamnagar IAF station in Gujarat, which resulted in the death of one pilot and left another injured. According to an official statement released on Thursday morning, the aircraft encountered a "technical malfunction" during a night training mission on Wednesday.

The IAF confirmed that the pilots, who were airborne from Jamnagar airfield, experienced difficulties and attempted to eject, ensuring the aircraft did not endanger the airfield or the local population. "Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Jamnagar," the statement read. "The IAF deeply regrets this loss and stands in solidarity with the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident."

Photo Credit: ANI

The crash occurred around 9:30 PM in an open field in Suvarda village, approximately 12 kilometers from Jamnagar city. Following the impact, the aircraft caught fire, police officials reported. Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu stated that while one pilot was found injured at the crash site and taken for treatment, a search operation was launched to locate the missing second pilot.

Jamnagar District Collector Ketan Thakkar, who arrived at the scene after the incident, noted that the fire spread across the open field but was later brought under control by firefighters. The cause of the technical malfunction remains under investigation.

Inputs From PTI