IAF's MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan's Barmer, both pilots dead

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force MiG-21 trainer fighter aircraft crashed in Rajasthan’s Barmer on Thursday night. Both pilots on board were killed, the IAF said.

The fighter aircraft met with an accident at 9:10 pm during a training sortie, it added.

The air force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident. The IAF added that it deeply regretted the loss of lives and stood firmly with the bereaved families.

At 9:10 pm this evening, an IAF MiG 21 trainer aircraft met with an accident in the western sector during a training sortie.
Both pilots sustained fatal injuries.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 28, 2022

Videos shared on social media showed the plane up in flames.

#WATCH | Rajasthan: A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Barmer district. Further details regarding the pilots awaited pic.twitter.com/5KfO24hZB6

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2022

‘Deeply anguished’

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors”.

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. https://t.co/avKi9YoMdo

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 28, 2022

Earlier, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari briefed Singh on the incident in detail, ANI reported. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

Deeply saddened to know two IAF pilots have lost their lives in the line of duty when an IAF MiG 21 trainer aircraft met with an accident in Barmer. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. May they remain strong to bear this loss. We stand with them and share their grief.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) July 28, 2022

The Soviet-era MiG-21s were first inducted into the IAF in the 1960s. India is the world’s largest operator of the aircraft. However, the MiG-21s have been plagued by safety issues.

With inputs from agencies

Read all the Latest News , Trending News ,  Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .