Indian fighter aircraft crashes in Haryana, transport plane crash-lands in West Bengal
Chandigarh: In two incidents on the same day involving Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, a Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Haryana, while an AN-32 transport plane crash-landed in West Bengal, highlighting India’s poor operational preparedness and flawed claims of military modernization.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in a hilly forest area near Raipur Rani in Haryana shortly after taking off from the Ambala airbase, while the AN-32 crash-landed in the Bagdogra area of West Bengal.
“A Jaguar aircraft of the IAF crashed near Ambala during a routine training sortie 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,” said a statement from the IAF.
Sources within the IAF stated that the Jaguar aircraft had experienced over 50 major and minor incidents during its 45 years of service, some of which resulted in fatalities. India is the sole country to still operate the Jaguar aircraft.
Meanwhile, the AN-32, considered the backbone of the IAF’s transport operations, was involved in a serious incident after landing in West Bengal’s Bagdogra. Officials confirmed that the crew of the AN-32 is safe, and the aircraft is being recovered from the site.
Critics have stated that both accidents highlight the Indian Air Force’s poor operational preparedness, despite its claims of being equipped with modern technology. The outdated aircrafts pose a serious threat to both the crew and the population, and they are increasingly being referred to as flying coffins.
