WEB DESK: The Indian Air Force has lost more than 100 aircraft and 70 pilots in last decade, just in 2025 India lost five aircraft.
Over the past decade, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced a troubling pattern of aircraft and pilot losses during peacetime. In 2025 alone, India lost five aircraft—including a Jaguar jet in Rajasthan on July 9, resulting in two pilot fatalities. This marks the third Jaguar crash this year, with previous incidents involving a Mirage 2000, Antonov An-32, and others. Overall, India has lost 42 aircraft since 2020, with three pilots killed in these accidents.
Historically, India has suffered significant aircraft losses during peacetime, averaging over seven aircraft annually since 2020. Between 2015 and 2024, the IAF lost nearly six squadrons (104 aircraft), while its fighter squadron strength remains below sanctioned levels, with a shortfall of 11 squadrons.
The total aircraft losses over the last two decades amount to 255 aircraft (equivalent to 14 squadrons), mostly during non-combat missions. Since 1948, India has lost approximately 1,804 aircraft, with only about 143 during combat, indicating a high rate of peacetime crashes. The IAF has also lost 73 pilots between 2012 and 2021, with previous decades recording even higher figures, including over 200 pilots lost in some periods.
The MiG-21 fighter jet, notorious for its crash record and nicknamed “Flying Coffin,” accounts for a significant portion of losses—more than half of all aircraft lost by the IAF. The aircraft’s outdated design and age contribute heavily to accidents, a problem shared by other vintage aircraft like Jaguars. Despite retirements of some old fleets, India still operates many aging aircraft, which exacerbates the risk.
The high accident rate is further compounded by human errors, lack of modern training, and technical faults. While the IAF is gradually replacing older jets with newer twin-engine fighters and investing in advanced trainers, the rate of accidents remains unacceptably high in 2025.
In conclusion, India’s IAF has experienced one of the highest peacetime aircraft loss rates globally, reflecting the urgent need for modernization, better safety protocols, and fleet upgrades to protect pilots and aircraft alike.
