A Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near the Jamnagar IAF station in Gujarat on Wednesday (April 2, 2025) night during a routine training sortie. The aircraft went down in an open field in Suvarda village, about 12 km from Jamnagar city.
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One of the pilots managed to eject safely before the crash. However, the other is still missing, according to police officials. The twin-seater jet caught fire after hitting the ground, sending thick smoke into the sky.
Jamnagar District Superintendent of Police, Premsukh Delu, has confirmed the incident. He stated that emergency teams, including police and firefighters, rushed to the site to control the fire and search for the missing pilot. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and an investigation is underway.
This is not the first such incident in recent months. In February, another Jaguar aircraft crashed in Haryana’s Ambala district during a training sortie.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a huge fireball and debris scattered across the field. The impact created panic in the village. Officials are now working to clear the wreckage and determine the cause of the crash.
Is It Time to Retire the IAF’s Ageing Jaguar Fighter Jets?
The SEPECAT Jaguar has been a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s combat and reconnaissance missions for over 45 years. Introduced in 1979, this twin-engine aircraft has played a vital role in India’s defence strategy. However, over the years, it has been involved in more than 50 accidents, some of which have resulted in fatalities.
Currently, the Indian Air Force operates around 120 Jaguars across six squadrons stationed at Ambala, Jamnagar, and Gorakhpur. Despite their long service, Jaguars continue to fly, even as other countries have already retired them. Today, India is the only nation that’s still using the Jaguar in its air defence fleet, with plans to keep them operational until 2034.
The Challenges of Keeping Jaguars in the Air
The latest crash has once again raised concerns about the ageing fleet. Maintaining these aircraft has become increasingly difficult due to the shortage of spare parts and the high cost of upkeep. Experts have warned for years that the Jaguars are well past their prime and should be retired as soon as possible.
To keep them flying, the IAF has been sourcing spare parts and surplus airframes from other countries. However, these are only temporary fixes. As more aircraft near the end of their operational life, the Air Force faces mounting challenges in staying combat-ready.
A Wake-Up Call for Upgrades or Replacements?
The Jamnagar crash may push the IAF to speed up plans for either upgrading or replacing the Jaguars. With India looking to modernise its defence forces, continuing to rely on outdated aircraft could become a major risk. The investigation into this accident may determine whether the Jaguar fleet still has a future in the Indian Air Force or if it’s finally time to retire these ageing warbirds.
(All images are representational)
