Indian Air Force Pilot Killed in Jaguar Fighter Jet Crash During Night Mission in Gujarat
A tragic incident unfolded in Gujarat’s Jamnagar when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed during a night training mission. While one pilot managed to eject safely, the other lost his life in the accident.
The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that the pilots encountered a technical malfunction and initiated emergency ejection procedures, while navigating the aircraft away from populated areas preventing damage to the airfield and nearby civilian areas. The injured pilot is currently receiving medical treatment, while the force mourns the loss of their colleague.
🚨 SAD NEWS! IAF's Jaguar fighter aircraft CRASHES in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 2, 2025
— One Pilot has been rescued & taken to the hospital. Search on for Another. pic.twitter.com/6ldPG1HTUI
IAF Expresses Grief, Orders Probe
In an official statement, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the pilot’s death and extended support to the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the crash.
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…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 3, 2025
Eyewitnesses in Suvarda village, about 12 km from Jamnagar city, reported seeing flames engulfing the crash site, with the aircraft’s cockpit and tail section scattered across the field. The twin-seater Jaguar, a key fighter bomber in the IAF’s fleet since the late 1970s, was on a routine training sortie at the time of the accident.
The Jaguar, known for its upgraded avionics and combat capabilities, has been a mainstay in the IAF for decades. This incident raises concerns over the aging fleet’s operational safety, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
