Two Indian Air Force Pilots Killed as Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan’s Churu District



On July 9, 2025, a twin-seater Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district during a routine training mission, killing both pilots onboard. The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh airbase and went down around 1:25 pm in an agricultural field, causing no damage to civilian property but resulting in the tragic loss of life.


The deceased pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (44), a native of Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23) from Pali, Rajasthan. Squadron Leader Sindhu was recently a father, while Flight Lieutenant Singh was the eldest son in his family.


This crash marks the third incident involving a Jaguar aircraft in 2025. Earlier, in March, a Jaguar crashed near Ambala, Haryana, where the pilot ejected safely after a technical malfunction. In April, another Jaguar crashed near Jamnagar Airfield, Gujarat, resulting in the death of one pilot despite both ejecting.


The IAF operates approximately 120 Jaguar jets across six squadrons. The aircraft, inducted in 1979, is a key part of India’s strike and reconnaissance capabilities but has a history of safety concerns. Over the past decade, at least 12 Jaguars have crashed, raising questions about the fleet’s aging airframes and operational risks.


A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the latest crash. The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss and extended condolences to the bereaved families, while local authorities coordinated rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.


This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Indian Air Force in maintaining and operating an aging fleet amid evolving defense requirements.

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