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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
IAF recovers black box of crashed Jaguar aircraft after 4-day search
1 2 Jhunjhunu: Following an intensive four-day search operation, the IAF on Saturday recovered the black box of the Jaguar trainer aircraft that crashed near Bhanuda village in Churu district of Rajasthan on July 9. The discovery is expected to shed light on the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots. A specialized IAF team, comprising 22 personnel, arrived at the crash site near Bhanuda on Saturday morning via helicopter. The team, assisted by 30-40 local villagers, conducted a thorough ground search in a 5km radius through fields and forests before locating the crucial flight data recorder. The crash claimed the lives of Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 44, from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23, from Pali, Rajasthan. The IAF set up a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. Prior to the discovery, search teams from Delhi, Gujarat, and Suratgarh Air Force stations were actively involved in the operation since Wednesday. When the box could not be located till Friday, subdivisional magistrate, Ramkumar Verma, made a public announcement in nearby villages, offering rewards for any aircraft parts found by residents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The successful recovery operation included testimonies from witnesses, including Rugharaam Bhuval, a local resident who witnessed the crash. Rajladesar police were present throughout the operation. The black box data analysis is expected to provide vital information about the final moments of the aircraft and help determine the cause of the crash. The IAF will maintain control of the area for the next few days to collect remaining aircraft debris and continue their investigation.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Sqn Ldr Lokender, Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh died in Jaguar crash in Rajasthan: IAF official
Sqn Ldr Lokender and Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh are the two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who died in a crash of a Jaguar fighter jet near Churu in Rajasthan a day ago, officials said on Thursday. The IAF has also said that a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. The names of the two pilots were released by the IAF on Thursday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo "An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today," the IAF said in a brief statement on Wednesday. A day after the accident, it shared a brief statement: "The pilots who attained 'veergati' in yesterday's Jaguar crash were -- Sqn Ldr Lokender and Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh." Live Events The IAF had earlier also said that it "deeply regrets" the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
'Very bright, his career had just begun': Family recalls IAF pilot Rishi Raj killed in Jaguar plane crash
The tragic crash of a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force during a routine training mission in Rajasthan's Churu district resulted in the death of both pilots on board. Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh's brother said that he was "very bright" and that his career had just begun. (X/@Goreunit/ANI) Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh and Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu lost their lives in the crash, which took place in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village around 1:25 pm on Wednesday. The Indian Air Force later said in a statement that no damage to any civil property has been reported. An eyewitness had reportedly said that the pilot "tried his best to protect the village". Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh hailed from Rajasthan's Pali. His cousin Harshraj Singh spoke to news agency PTI and said that Rishi was very young, adding that "his career had just begun". Harshraj expressed anguish over the death of his cousin and said that he had never seen Rishi's father break down before. The late flight lieutenant's cousin also revealed that Rishi was "selected in the NDA in his first attempt". He heaped praises on Rishi and said he was "very bright, had a good nature, and was a great brother". Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu hailed from the Kheri Sadh village in Haryana's Rohtak. Sindhu's elder brother, Gyanendra, while speaking to news agency ANI, said that his brother made the "highest sacrifice" a soldier can make for his nation. "He died while serving his country. He died while saving civilians. My family and I are very proud of him," he added. The Squadron Leader also became a father just a month ago, in June. ALSO READ | IAF pilot killed in Jaguar crash became a father in June, rejoined duty over week ago His wife Surbhi Sindhu, a doctor, gave birth to a baby boy on June 10 at her parental home in Hisar. She was still there when she received the news of her husband's passing. Sindhu's brother revealed that he had just joined duty on June 30 after celebrating the birth of his son. "We talked on text 3 hours before the accident and on a video call the night before. As per the information we got, there was a technical fault with the craft because of which it started crashing over a densely populated area. They managed to fly the craft away from that area, but in the process, their craft got very close to the ground," Gyanendra added. He further noted how in a Jaguar Trainer, if the aircraft gets below 500 feet, then ejection is not possible. "That's why the copilots could not eject from the plane," he added. The Indian Air Force has constituted a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.
India Today
4 days ago
- General
- India Today
A young officer, a new father: Story of 2 IAF pilots killed in Rajasthan crash
One was a young officer, the other had just embraced fatherhood - two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday afternoon. The aircraft was on a routine training mission when it went down around 1:25 pm in an agricultural field. The tragic incident marks the third Jaguar-related crash in the last five months, raising renewed concerns about the ageing pilots, Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu (31) and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23), were both known for their dedication and professionalism. One had just embraced fatherhood, while the other was only beginning what promised to be a bright career in the skies. Their remains were found scattered across the crash site, leaving families, colleagues, and the local community pilots were on a routine training mission when the twin-seater Jaguar crashed. The Rajputana Rifles condoled their deaths in a post on X and said that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two brave air warriors in the Jaguar crash near Churu, Rajasthan today. Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu (Rohtak, Haryana). Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh (Jodhpur, Rajasthan). Their sacrifice will never be forgotten," the post read. SQUADRON LEADER LOKENDER SINGH SINDHUCommissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2016, Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu was a proud alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a seasoned fighter pilot. Hailing from Kheri-Sadh village in Haryana, he had made Rohtak's Dev Colony his home. Sindhu belonged to a humble, service-oriented family—his father retired as a university superintendent, while his mother served as a by family and peers as sharp, sincere, and exceptionally dedicated, Sindhu had recently embraced fatherhood. His son was born on June 10, less than a month before the fatal crash. His wife and newborn were at her parental home in Hisar when tragedy who knew him speak of a man who balanced professionalism with warmth—focused in the cockpit, gentle and grounded at home. In his eight years of service, Sindhu had earned not just stripes on his uniform but deep respect in the flying fraternity. Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu FLIGHT LIEUTENANT RISHI RAJ SINGHAt just 23, Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh represented the courage and aspirations of India's next-generation fighter pilots. A native of Pali in Rajasthan, he had only recently begun his Air Force journey but was already known for his sharp reflexes, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the ill-fated Jaguar with Squadron Leader Sindhu, Rishi was part of a routine training mission when the aircraft went down. Despite the tragedy, locals and eyewitnesses recall that the pilots appeared to have steered the jet away from residential areas—possibly saving many lives on the ground. Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh After the crash, the IAF said that a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident."IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief," the statement aircraft crashed in an agricultural field in Bhanuda village around 1:25 pm, local police official Rajaldesar Kamlessh told news agency PTI. He said body parts were found scattered near the crash reported hearing a loud noise from the sky, followed by flames and smoke rising from the fields. Residents said the crash triggered a fire in nearby fields, which they attempted to control on their own. A local who witnessed the fatal crash said remains of the pilots' bodies were found scattered on the of the pilot's body were found diary of the IAF was also found, and we handed it over to the tried his best to protect the village, I can say it for sure (avoid a crash there)," Rajdeep, the eyewitness, told news agency is a British-French fighter aircraft that India started inducting in the 70s.- Ends
The Print
4 days ago
- General
- The Print
3 crashes this year, 3 pilots lost. IAF's Jaguars, long retired everywhere else, back in spotlight
The twin-seat Jaguar went down Wednesday afternoon during what officials described as a routine training sortie near Bhanoda village in Churu district. 'A court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,' said the IAF in a statement on X. Sources in the defence and security establishment confirmed the deceased as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, both from the IAF's 5 Tuskers Squadron. Sqn. Ldr. Sindhu hailed from Rohtak in Haryana, while Flt. Lt. Raj was a native of Pali, Rajasthan. New Delhi: A routine training flight ended in tragedy on Wednesday as two IAF (Indian Air Force) pilots were killed in the crash of a Jaguar IB (twin seat trainer variant) near Churu, Rajasthan. It was the third such accident involving the aging Jaguar fleet this year, reviving questions about the aircraft's continued frontline role. In April, another Jaguar IB crashed during a night sortie out of Jamnagar, Gujarat. Flt. Lt. Siddharth Yadav, in his twenties and slated to marry, was killed in the crash after choosing to remain with the stricken aircraft, suspected to have suffered a technical malfunction, to steer it away from populated areas. His co-pilot survived after ejecting on Yadav's final instruction. The IAF acknowledged the incident in a statement and also constituted an inquiry into the cause. That accident followed a March crash involving a Jaguar IS (single-seat variant) during a sortie near Ambala, in which the pilot ejected safely after managing to direct the aircraft away from the civilian zone. According to the Aviation Safety Network, at least 13 IAF Jaguars have crashed over the past decade. These incidents have reignited long-standing concerns about the viability of the Jaguar fleet, once a cutting-edge platform, now serving well into its fifth decade with the IAF. How the British-French jet became India's workhorse The Jaguar was born out of a collaboration between France and the UK in the 1960s, arguably the first fighter programme co-developed by two nations according to Dassault Aviation. Designed to fulfill a common need for an advanced trainer and light strike aircraft, the programme was executed by SEPECAT, a joint venture between Breguet Aviation of France and the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). India opted for the Jaguar in the late 1970s amid a sweeping modernisation of its combat aviation fleet. With the retirement of early post-independence types like the de Havilland Vampire and the obsolescence of British Canberras and Hawker Hunters, India sought a fast, low-level, deep-penetration strike aircraft, ideally suited for interdiction and tactical nuclear delivery missions. The first two Jaguars, an IS and an IB, arrived on loan from the UK in 1979. By 1981, the IAF had inducted its first batch of 40 British-built aircraft. Under a ToT (transfer of technology) agreement, the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) began licensed assembly of the Jaguar at its Bengaluru facility. Between the early 1980s and 2008, HAL produced over 100 Jaguars, including naval (IM) variants equipped with French and Israeli radars. In total, India is reported to have inducted over 160 Jaguars across all variants. As of 2024, 115 remain in the inventory, 79 IS, 28 IB and 8 IM variants, according to data from the annual 'Military Balance' published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). India is now the only country still operating the Jaguar, long since retired by its original users, France in 2005 and the UK in 2007, and secondary operators like Oman, Nigeria and Ecuador. Despite its age, the Jaguar remains a key component of India's offensive airpower. Sources say that six squadrons are still operational and the aircraft is believed to play a role in the country's nuclear deterrent, owing to its proven low-level penetration capabilities and effectiveness in radar-heavy environments. The aircraft features a high-mounted swept wing, twin 30mm Aden cannons and two Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 811 turbofan engines. It can carry up to 4,500 kg of ordnance across seven hardpoints, including iron bombs, cluster munitions, runway-denial bombs, unguided rockets and short-range air-to-air missiles like the Matra Magic and AIM-9 Sidewinder. Equipped with Israeli Litening pods, the Jaguar can also deliver precision-guided munitions in night and all-weather conditions. Also Read: In wake of Jamnagar crash, a look at chequered legacy of IAF's SEPECAT Jaguar Upgrades, attrition & engine dilemma From the outset, the Jaguar underwent a continuous series of upgrades to maintain its combat relevance. Its original UK-supplied avionics suite, which included the Ferranti NAVWASS (Navigation and Weapon Aiming Sub-System), an early inertial navigation and attack system, along with its radar and targeting components, was soon outpaced by evolving technology and mission requirements. In the 1980s, the IAF in collaboration with the DRDO's Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) lab, developed the first major upgrade to the Jaguar's avionics suite, the DARIN I, (Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation). At the upgradation's core was a modern inertial navigation system (INS), which enabled the aircraft to accurately calculate its position and speed without relying on external inputs such as GPS, an essential requirement for deep-strike missions in contested or GPS-denied environments. The upgrade also introduced a head-up display (HUD) that projected critical flight and targeting information directly into the pilot's line of sight, reducing the need to look down at cockpit instruments during high-speed manoeuvres. Tying these components together was the 'MIL-STD-1553' digital data bus, a military-standard avionics backbone that enabled faster, more reliable communication between onboard systems. With DARIN I, the Jaguar transitioned from an analog-era platform into a digitally networked strike aircraft, significantly extending its operational viability. DARIN II, rolled out in the late 1990s and early 2000s, added GPS-based navigation, Israeli Elbit HUDs, multifunction digital displays and electronic warfare (EW) systems like the Tarang radar warning receivers. With these changes, the aircraft gained limited precision-strike capability, including GPS-guided bombs and night-attack pods. The most recent upgrade, DARIN III, introduced a leap in combat performance. The retrofit under this upgradation included Elta's (a subsidiary of Israeli Aerospace Industries or the IAI) 'EL/M-2052' AESA radar, a glass cockpit with twin MFDs (multi-function displays), modern autopilot, encrypted datalinks and improved EW systems. The AESA radars offer faster, more reliable tracking and resistance to jamming, while also allowing for integration of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs). The first DARIN III Jaguar flew in 2017 and about 60 aircraft have now received the upgrade, with two squadrons reportedly still awaiting conversion. Yet, for all these upgrades, a persistent Achilles' heel remained: the engines. The Adour Mk 804 and Mk 811 engines, though sturdy in their heyday, now suffer from insufficient thrust, especially under India's 'hot and high' operating conditions in desert and mountain bases. With only 8,430 pounds of thrust per engine, performance during takeoff, climb and low-altitude flight under full load is often marginal. Compounding the problem is the absence of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), a now-standard digital system that governs engine performance more efficiently and safely. The Jaguars' manual engine controls increase workload and reduce response time during emergencies. In recent years, flameouts, compressor stalls and oil pressure failures mid-flight have become increasingly frequent, contributing to the aircraft's attrition rate. Spare parts are also a growing concern with Rolls-Royce having long moved on to newer engine lines, forcing HAL and the IAF to rely on local refurbishments and cannibalised parts. India has in recent years acquired decommissioned Jaguar airframes and spares from the UK, France and Oman. Last year, the Ministry of Defence had requested for nine retired RAF Jaguars from the UK, not to fly, but to harvest their parts to keep the IAF fleet airworthy. A plan floated in the 2010s to re-engine the Jaguars with Honeywell's F125IN engine, offering 30 percent more thrust and fuel efficiency, was eventually shelved due to high costs, integration difficulties and questions over the return on investment given the airframe's age. Why the Jaguar still matters The IAF plans to begin phasing out its older Jaguar variants between 2028 and 2030, with the upgraded DARIN III jets expected to remain operational until around 2035. In the interim, multi-role platforms like the Su-30MKI and Rafale have taken over many of the Jaguar's legacy roles, including precision strike and limited nuclear delivery. Looking ahead, the indigenous Tejas Mk1A and the larger twin-engine Tejas Mk2 are slated to assume more of the Jaguar's strike responsibilities by the mid-2030s. Further into the future, the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), currently under development, is expected to take over high-end strike and deep-penetration missions. Until these replacements are fully inducted, the Jaguar remains relevant, not just for its operational utility, but because the IAF continues to grapple with a squadron shortfall. With only around 31 active squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.5, the aging Jaguar fleet continues to fill a critical gap in India's combat airpower. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: 'No Rafale shot down in combat, India lost one to technical malfunction, probe on': Dassault CEO
