Third Jaguar Crash in 2025 Raises Serious Safety Concerns for Indian Air Force

Two Pilots Die in IAF Jaguar Trainer Crash in Rajasthan

A Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during a routine training sortie on July 9, 2025, near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district. The aircraft went down at approximately 1:25 pm, killing both pilots onboard. Wreckage scattered across the field confirmed the fatalities shortly after emergency teams reached the crash site.

The Indian Air Force has ordered a formal court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident. Preliminary observations suggest no external interference, but a technical or mechanical fault is not being ruled out.

Third Jaguar Crash in 2025 Raises Alarms

This marks the third Jaguar-related accident this year, intensifying scrutiny over the aircraft’s continued deployment. Earlier:

• In March 2025, a Jaguar crashed near Ambala, Haryana. The pilot ejected safely.
• In April, another Jaguar went down during night training near Jamnagar, Gujarat, claiming one pilot’s life.

These back-to-back incidents underscore the operational risks associated with flying an ageing fleet.

Aged Fleet and Operational Burdens

Inducted into the Indian Air Force in the late 1970s, the SEPECAT Jaguar has served for over four decades. While known for its strike capabilities and low-altitude performance, its reliability is increasingly being questioned.

The aircraft’s Adour Mk811 engines are underpowered by modern standards, and several proposals to re-engine the fleet have been shelved due to high costs. A 2019 plan to equip Jaguars with Honeywell F125-IN turbofan engines was abandoned, with each retrofit estimated at ₹190 crore, in addition to structural modifications costing around ₹20 crore per aircraft.

The Air Force continues to rely on indigenous upgrades like DARIN III avionics, AESA radar integration, and ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles. However, the core airframe and propulsion system remain outdated.

Maintenance Woes and Ground-Level Challenges

India is the last country operating Jaguars, with all other original operators having retired the platform. Maintenance demands are increasing, with some units reportedly cannibalised to meet spares shortages. In 2018 alone, over 30 decommissioned Jaguar airframes were dismantled to salvage parts.

The increasing frequency of crashes is also linked to the pressure on limited flying hours, outdated parts, and growing service fatigue among ground staff. Though operational, the platform is becoming harder to sustain in real-world combat and training environments.

Strategic Outlook: Time for Transition?

A growing number of voices within defence and aviation circles are comparing the current phase of the Jaguar to the final years of the MiG-21, which was finally phased out following multiple high-fatality incidents.

The IAF plans to retire the Jaguar fleet by the end of this decade, replacing it gradually with the HAL Tejas Mk1A and other advanced platforms. However, the pace of induction remains a concern. Tejas Mk1A deliveries are expected to pick up by 2026, but the IAF continues to depend on legacy aircraft like Jaguars to maintain operational depth.

What Comes Next?

With three crashes in less than seven months, the Ministry of Defence may be compelled to reevaluate the Jaguar fleet’s deployment. Options on the table include temporarily grounding similar platforms, prioritizing maintenance audits, or fast-tracking the acquisition of newer platforms.

The court of inquiry into the Churu crash will play a critical role in determining policy actions. However, the broader concern remains: how to maintain a strong and safe operational air fleet while transitioning out of ageing platforms without compromising India’s defence readiness.

Sources:

• Indian Air Force official statement
• Defence Ministry briefings
• Industry analysts and published technical data on SEPECAT Jaguar
• Media coverage from Hindustan Times, Economic Times, Mint, Firstpost, AP News, and India Today archives (July 2025)
• Internal reports on IAF fleet modernization efforts