A two-seater Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a night mission shortly after take-off from Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF reported on Thursday.
One of the pilots succumbed to injuries sustained during ejection, while the other is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar.
In a statement issued by the IAF’s Media Coordination Centre on X, it was detailed that the aircraft encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight. The pilots ejected to prevent damage to the airfield and nearby populated areas.
"An IAF Jaguar two-seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar Airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to airfield and local population. Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar," the statement read.
Expressing condolences, the IAF stated, "IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family."
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident and determine the circumstances that led to the technical failure.
This incident follows a similar crash on 7 March when a Jaguar fighter aircraft went down near Ambala, Haryana. The pilot in that incident managed to eject safely, officials confirmed.
According to IAF officials, the aircraft had taken off from the Ambala Air Force base for a routine evening sortie when it suffered a system malfunction, leading to the crash.
"A Jaguar aircraft of the IAF crashed at Ambala during a routine training sortie today after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot manoeuvred the aircraft away from any habitation on the ground before ejecting safely. An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a post on X.
The Indian Air Force continues to investigate both incidents to assess and enhance safety protocols.
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