Churu, Rajasthan – July 9, 2025
In a tragic Indian fighter jet crash, two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were killed when a Jaguar aircraft went down near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district. The fighter jet crash took place around 1:25 PM local time, shortly after the aircraft took off from the Suratgarh airbase.
Local authorities confirmed that the Indian fighter jet crash occurred in an agricultural field. Fortunately, there were no civilian injuries or property damage. Rajaldesar Station House Officer Kamlesh shared the timing and location of the crash with a regional news agency.
The IAF expressed deep regret over the incident, stating:
“An inquiry has been ordered. The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.”
Third Jaguar Crash This Year
This marks the third Jaguar fighter jet crash in India in 2025. Previous crashes occurred:
- March 7 in Panchkula, Haryana
- April 2 near Jamnagar, Gujarat
The Jaguar, a twin-engine fighter bomber, has been part of the Indian Air Force since the late 1970s and remains in service with various upgrades.
Focus Shifts to Air India Crash Investigation
In related aviation news, a preliminary report into the fatal Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that occurred on June 12 is expected by Friday, sources told Reuters.
The plane, which was bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, along with casualties on the ground. Investigators are currently analyzing the fuel control switch systems, which might have played a role in the sudden loss of thrust.
Boeing has declined to comment, but no mechanical failures have been confirmed. According to US aviation safety expert John Cox, the switches cannot be accidentally moved:
“If a switch is shut off, the engine loses power almost immediately.”
Investigators are not ruling out any possibility — be it mechanical failure or pilot action — and say the final report could change depending on new data.
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