#Jet Air Crash Raises Safety Concerns… What went wrong ?

"Systems Failure and Impact: A Technical Analysis of the Jet Airways Crash"

India Input July 9, 2025

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#Jet Air Crash Raises Safety Concerns… What went wrong ?Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed when a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Churu in Rajasthan on Wednesday , the third Jaguar fighter jet crash since March this year.

In a statement, the IAF said the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it met with the accident. “Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported,” it said in the statement posted on X, adding that a court of inquiry would ascertain the cause.

By IndiaInput desk

#Jet Air Crash

The Jaguar fleet is operationally stretched and technically outdated. The IAF continues to fly them due to gaps in the strike aircraft inventory, but the platform is increasingly viewed as unsustainable for high-risk missions.

The recent string of crashes has intensified calls for accelerated retirement or re-engineering, though budget constraints and slow procurement processes remain hurdles.

#Jet Air Crash

Jaguar was inducted In IAF IN 1979

The SEPECAT Jaguar, originally developed by the UK and France in the 1960s–70s and inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1979, in 14 squadron,” The fighting bulls’ at the Ambala air base. Jaguar has served the IAF for over four decades. While the aircraft has proven its worth in strike and reconnaissance roles, it now faces significant technical and operational challenges, especially highlighted by the recent crashes.

This is the third Jaguar fighter jet crash since March.

On March 7, a jet crashed near Panchkula, shortly after taking off from the Ambala air base in Haryana. The pilot managed to eject safely.

On April 2, a pilot was killed and another sustained serious injuries when a jet crashed near Jamnagar in Gujarat.

#Jet Air Crash

It is one of the oldest fighter jets in the IAF inventory, the Anglo-French origin aircraft is a twin-engine, single-seater deep-penetration strike aircraft, with a maximum speed of 1,350 kmph.

Most IAF Jaguars are aging air frames. over 40 years old. Metal fatigue and structural wear raise safety concerns. And, airframe integrity is increasingly difficult to maintain, despite upgrades.

Key Technical Challenges of the Jaguar Fleet:

#Jet Air Crash Outdated Engines

The Jaguar is powered by Rolls-Royce Adour Mk 811 engines, which are underpowered by modern standards. The aircraft struggles in high-altitude and hot-weather operations like those over Rajasthan or the Himalayas. Past attempts to re-engine the fleet with Honeywell’s F125IN engines were stalled due to cost and integration issues.

An ‘X’ Handler Tweets :

http://

Indian Air Force aircraft Jet Jaguar Crashed in Churu, Rajasthan, Unconfirmed news suggests Pilot has lost life.

Jaguar was bought in the 1980s and still in use is a sad reality of the Indian Fighter aircraft manufacturing program. pic.twitter.com/pmixrbG2d9

— Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) July 9, 2025

#Jet Air Crash-Obsolete Avionics (in older units)

While the DARIN III (Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation) upgrade has been implemented in some Jaguars, many still rely on DARIN I or II systems. These outdated systems affect targeting accuracy, navigation, and pilot situational awareness.

An ‘X’ Handler Tweets :

http://

🚨 BREAKING: Tragedy strikes as an IAF Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Churu, Rajasthan, claiming the life of a brave pilot. 💔 Let’s honor their sacrifice and demand answers on safety protocols! 🙏 #IAF #Rajasthan #ChuruCrash #IndianAirForce pic.twitter.com/uTXDMznoLZ

— NewsDaily🪖🚨🪖 (@XNews24_7) July 9, 2025

#Jet Air Crash-Diminishing Spares and Support

With the aircraft retired in most other countries, supply chains for parts are drying up. Indigenous production of spares has limitations, and some components must be cannibalized from grounded aircraft.

An ‘X’ Handler Tweets :

http://

🚨 A #Jaguar jet of the #IAF has gone down near Bhanuda village in #Churu, #Rajasthan.
Rescue ops are underway, and emergency teams are at the crash site. Info on the pilot’s condition & crash cause is still awaited.#planecrash #planecrash pic.twitter.com/WMr7C9GAyA

— Chandan Singh Yadav (@Chandanmgs123) July 9, 2025

#Jet Air Crash – Limited Combat Utility in Modern Warfare

Lack of stealth, advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and supersonic speeds makes Jaguars less survivable in contested airspace. Their role is increasingly redundant given India’s newer multi-role aircraft like the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and the upcoming Tejas Mk2.

An ‘X’ Handler Tweets :

http://

🚨45 years old IAF Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Churu district of Rajasthan.

Two Pilots lost their life in this crash. pic.twitter.com/UWXaJbdcxO

— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) July 9, 2025

#Jet Air Crash – Pilot Safety Concerns

Recent crashes have involved engine failure and control issues, raising concerns about pilot safety during training and operations. Ejection systems and cockpit survivability are outdated by modern safety standards.

Countries like France, the UK, Nigeria and Oman have already discontinued the aircraft.

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