Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives in a tragic crash involving a Jaguar trainer aircraft during a routine training mission in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, 32, from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh from Pali, Rajasthan.

According to the IAF’s official statement, both pilots sustained fatal injuries, but fortunately, no civilian casualties or property damage have been reported. The tragic incident marks the third Jaguar crash since March, prompting serious concerns over aircraft safety.

Eyewitnesses described a disturbing scene following the crash. Rajdeep, a local who saw the incident, said a sudden plume of smoke rose from the site. He added that the pilot appeared to make every effort to steer the aircraft away from populated areas. “Parts of the pilot’s body were scattered. We found a diary believed to be from the IAF and handed it over to the local SHO. I can say the pilot tried his best to save the village,” he told ANI. However, it was not confirmed which pilot’s diary was recovered.

The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. This incident follows two recent Jaguar crashes:

• On April 2, a pilot was killed when a Jaguar crashed near the Jamnagar IAF station.

• On March 7, a system malfunction led to another Jaguar crash soon after take-off from the Ambala air base.

The Jaguar is a British-French twin-engine ground attack aircraft, first inducted by the Indian Air Force in the 1970s, and has served as a key part of India’s strike capability for decades. However, the recent series of accidents has sparked renewed debate over the aircraft’s continued use and operational safety.