New Delhi, April 3 (H.S.): A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate the crash of a Jaguar fighter jet in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday night. Initially, the Indian Air Force reported a technical failure as the cause of the incident.
The two-seater aircraft took off for a night time mission but crashed at 10:20 PM. The pilots attempted to divert the jet from populated areas to mitigate harm but, tragically, one pilot succumbed to injuries, while the other is hospitalized in Jamnagar.
The Air Force has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. The Jaguar aircraft, part of the Air Force’s fleet, is scheduled for phased retirement between 2027-2028, with complete withdrawal expected by 2035-2040.
However, the planned exit could hamper the operational capability of the Air Force, especially given ongoing deficiencies in combat aircraft due to delays in the Tejas Mark-1A program. Known for flying at low altitudes over extended ranges, the Jaguar has been a formidable asset, allowing stealthier operations compared to advanced jets like the F-22 Raptor.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the crucial role of fighter aircraft in low-altitude incursions. Inducted in the early 1980s, the Jaguar has undergone numerous upgrades through partnerships with HAL and DRDO to enhance its operational capabilities.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
