Churu (Rajasthan), July 9, 2025 — Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives on Wednesday morning after a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan. The aircraft was on a routine training mission when the accident occurred at around 1:25 p.m., officials said.
The IAF confirmed the deaths in a statement, saying, “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported.”
Defence officials identified the deceased as Squadron Leader Lokendra and Flight Lieutenant Rishi. According to initial reports, the pilots experienced a technical malfunction mid-air and made an effort to steer the aircraft away from populated areas, minimizing potential civilian harm. Despite their efforts, both pilots succumbed to their injuries.
Local residents rushed to the crash site upon hearing the explosion and discovered the burning debris. Police teams from Rajaldesar and Ratangarh, along with fire brigade units and ambulances, were immediately deployed. The area has since been cordoned off.
A court of inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to determine the cause of the crash.
This marks the third Jaguar crash in 2025. In March, a Jaguar jet crashed during a sortie in Ambala, with the pilot ejecting safely. In April, another Jaguar crash near Jamnagar claimed one pilot’s life.
The Jaguar aircraft, developed by the Anglo-French firm SEPECAT, were inducted into the IAF in the late 1970s. Despite their age, the IAF continues to operate six squadrons of the twin-engine Jaguar variants.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed condolences. “Sad news of the crash of an Indian Air Force plane in the Ratangarh area of Churu district has been received. Immediately after the incident, the administration is in alert mode,” said CM Sharma in a post on X.
The Indian Air Force stated, “The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.”