Jamnagar (Gujarat), Apr 3: In an unfortunate incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot was killed and another sustained critical injuries after a two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar Airfield in Gujarat late last night.
This was confirmed by the IAF on Thursday.
As per reports, the mishap occurred in Suvarda village, 12 km from Jamnagar city, at around 10 PM when the aircraft was on a night training mission. It reportedly developed a technical malfunction, forcing the pilots to eject.
In an official statement, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the accident and confirmed that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to find out the 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 the airfield and local population," the statement said.
"Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar," the IAF added.
The IAF also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased pilot and stated that it stands firmly with them in this difficult time.
Videos of the crash which went viral on social media showed a field on fire with debris scattered across the area. The cockpit and tail section of the aircraft were found separately, both engulfed in flames.
Notably, the Jaguar, a twin-engine aircraft, has been an important part of the Indian Air Force since the late 1970s.
#WATCH | A Jaguar fighter aircraft crashes in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2025
Prem Sukh Delu, SP Jamnagar, says, "There were two pilots in the (Jaguar) trainer aircraft of the Air Force. One has been rescued and taken to the hospital. Operations are underway to rescue the other pilot..." pic.twitter.com/QhJuICyZmI
