Two pilots killed as IAF fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan's Barmer

New Delhi, July 28

Two pilots of the Indian Air Force have been killed after a MiG 21 fighter jet crashed near Barmer in south western part of Rajasthan abutting Pakistan.

The plane was a trainer version of the Russian origin fighter jet. A trainer version of the jet has two pilots.

The ill-fated jet had taken off for a night training sortie.

It burst into flames mid-air and crashed to ground, leaving no time for the pilots to eject. The crash occured at 9.10 pm.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and inquired about the crash. He was apprised of the incident by the Air Chief.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deep anguish at the loss of lives.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF’s Mig-21 trainer aircraft near Barmer in Rajasthan. Their service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness,” he added.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash.

IAF has some 70 MiG 21 jets which are a 1960s design but the ones being flown are 30-35 years or more in age.

The IAF announced it intends to phase out the MiG 21 fleet by 2025.