IAF Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashes in Madhya Pradesh
What's the story
A Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.
The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed due to a system malfunction, according to reports.
Both pilots ejected safely from the aircraft before it crashed near Sunari Chowki, thus avoiding any casualties.
Investigation underway
IAF initiates inquiry into Mirage 2000 crash
The IAF has confirmed the crash and launched an inquiry to ascertain its cause.
In a statement on social media platform X, the IAF said, "A Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Shivpuri (Gwalior), during a routine training sortie today, after encountering a system malfunction."
"Both the pilots ejected safely. An enquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident," it added.
Twitter Post
Footage from the crash site
VIDEO | IAF's Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft crashed in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri earlier today. Details awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 6, 2025
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/bPBzTVSI8e
Past accidents
Mirage 2000 crash echoes previous IAF incident
This incident is similar to one that took place in November 2024, when a MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near Agra after a technical glitch during a training sortie.
The pilot of that aircraft also ejected safely, preventing any damage to life or property on the ground.
One of the most tragic accidents was the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in December 2021, which killed then Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others.
Rising concerns
Report highlights increase in IAF aircraft accidents
A recent report by the Standing Committee on Defence flagged an increase in aircraft accidents concerning the Air Force.
The report observed that 34 accidents took place during the 13th Defence Plan period (2017-2022).
Human error by aircrew was responsible for 19 incidents, while technical defects led to nine accidents.
Other causes included bird strikes, foreign object damage, and unexpected weather changes.