On the night of April 2, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded when an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed near the Jamnagar Airfield in Gujarat, claiming the life of one pilot. The two-seater aircraft was engaged in a routine night training mission when it went down in Suvarda village, located roughly 12 kilometers from Jamnagar city, around 10 PM IST.
The IAF confirmed the crash the following day, revealing that the aircraft suffered a technical malfunction that prompted both pilots to attempt an ejection to ensure the safety of the airfield and the local populace. While one pilot managed to eject safely and is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar, the second pilot unfortunately did not survive due to injuries sustained during the incident.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss, the IAF stated, “IAF deeply regrets this loss of life and stands resolutely with the grieving family.” Emergency response teams, consisting of the Air Force, fire services, and local police, were rapidly dispatched to the crash site, where the aircraft wreckage was seen engulfed in flames, with debris strewn across the vicinity.
The Jaguar fighter jet, a twin-engine aircraft that has been a cornerstone of the IAF’s fleet since its induction in the late 1970s, has faced renewed scrutiny regarding its aging infrastructure, despite ongoing modernization efforts. The IAF has initiated a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the technical failure that led to the crash.
This incident marks the second crash involving a Jaguar in 2025, the first occurring on March 7 near Ambala, Haryana, where the pilot successfully ejected. The identity of the deceased pilot has yet to be disclosed, as officials await notification of the family. The incident has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the nation as many pay tribute to the fallen airman who was engaged in what was meant to be a routine yet essential training operation. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation continues to unfold.
