March 8, Chandigarh: A Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie yesterday evening due to a technical defect. The pilot managed to eject safely and was later evacuated by the IAF. The incident occurred near the Haryana-Himachal Pradesh border, close to Raipur Rani in the Panchkula district of Haryana.
The aircraft had taken off from the Ambala airbase, one of the oldest and most significant airbases of the IAF. The remains of the ill-fated aircraft were scattered across a forested area in the hilly terrain near Raipur Rani. The IAF promptly issued an official statement confirming the crash and stating that the pilot had successfully maneuvered the aircraft away from populated areas before ejecting.
The official statement read, “A Jaguar aircraft of the IAF crashed at Ambala during a routine training sortie today, after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft away from any habitation on the ground before ejecting safely. An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
An IAF spokesperson confirmed that the pilot was taken to a hospital for a medical check-up as a precautionary measure. Eyewitnesses reported that locals gathered at the crash site and assisted the pilot in freeing himself from his parachute harness. The quick response from both the IAF and the locals ensured that the pilot was unharmed.
The Ambala airbase is a strategically important location for the IAF, housing squadrons of Jaguar aircraft as well as the newly inducted Rafale jets, along with other ancillary units. The base has been a cornerstone of the IAF’s operations since its establishment.
The Jaguar fleet, which has been in service with the IAF for over 45 years, has experienced its share of incidents. Sources revealed that the fleet has been involved in more than 50 major and minor incidents during its operational history, some of which have been fatal. Despite its age, the Jaguar remains a crucial component of the IAF’s strike capability and tactical reconnaissance missions.
Currently, the IAF operates around 120 twin-engine Jaguar aircraft, distributed across six squadrons—Nos 5, 6, 14, 16, 27, and 224. These squadrons are based at Ambala, Jamnagar, and Gorakhpur, forming a vital part of the IAF’s offensive and reconnaissance capabilities.
The crash has once again brought attention to the aging Jaguar fleet and the challenges associated with maintaining older aircraft. While the IAF has been modernizing its fleet with the induction of advanced platforms like the Rafale, the Jaguar continues to play a significant role in operations.
The IAF has ordered an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a system malfunction, but a detailed investigation will be conducted to identify any technical or operational lapses. Such inquiries are standard procedure following any aircraft accident to ensure that lessons are learned and similar incidents are prevented in the future.
The safe ejection of the pilot highlights the effectiveness of the IAF’s training and safety protocols. Pilots undergo rigorous training to handle emergencies, and the successful ejection in this case demonstrates the importance of such preparedness.
As the IAF continues to modernize its fleet, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the need for timely upgrades and replacements of aging aircraft. The Jaguar, despite its proven track record, is nearing the end of its operational life and the IAF is likely to phase it out in upcoming years.
For now, the focus remains on the inquiry and ensuring the safety of pilots and aircraft during operations. The IAF has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness, even as it transitions to newer and more advanced platforms.
In the meantime, the pilot involved in the crash is reported to be in good health, and the IAF has expressed gratitude for the support provided by locals at the crash site. The incident, while unfortunate, has once again demonstrated the resilience and professionalism of the IAF and its personnel. Keep Reading Questiqa.in.
Get more News Headlines At Our Social Platforms And Do Follow.
