KKN Gurugram Desk | A twin-seater Mirage-2000 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday during a routine training sortie. Both pilots ejected safely before the aircraft hit the ground.

IAF Orders Inquiry to Determine Cause of Crash

The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and stated that a court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the reason behind the crash. According to the IAF’s official statement, the aircraft experienced a system malfunction, leading to the accident.

The Air Force shared an update on social media:
“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.”

Fighter Jet Crashes Near Bahreta Sani Village

Reports indicate that the Mirage-2000 jet crashed near Bahreta Sani village in Shivpuri district. Following the crash, images surfaced online showing one of the injured pilots speaking on the phone.

As soon as local authorities received information about the crash, a team from the district administration was immediately sent to the crash site for assistance and investigation.

What is the Mirage-2000 Fighter Jet?

The Mirage-2000 is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the French company Dassault Aviation. The Indian Air Force has been operating Mirage-2000 jets since the 1980s, and these aircraft have played a crucial role in multiple defense operations, including the Kargil War and Balakot airstrikes.

Key features of the Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft:

• Speed: Capable of flying at Mach 2.2 (twice the speed of sound)
• Combat Capabilities: Can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
• Operational Role: Used in air defense, ground attack, and precision strikes

Past Mirage-2000 Crashes in India

Although the Mirage-2000 has been one of the most reliable fighter jets in the IAF’s fleet, it has witnessed several crashes in the past due to technical issues or human error.

Some of the previous Mirage-2000 incidents in India include:

• 2019: A Mirage-2000 crashed during a test flight in Bengaluru, resulting in the death of both pilots.
• 2012: Two Mirage-2000 jets crashed in Madhya Pradesh due to technical malfunctions.

Training Sorties and Fighter Jet Safety

Regular training sorties are a crucial part of pilot readiness in the Indian Air Force. However, aircraft malfunctions and technical issues continue to be a serious concern. The IAF frequently conducts safety checks and upgrades to maintain operational efficiency and reduce accidents.

The Indian government and defense agencies are investing in new-generation fighter jets such as the Rafale and Tejas, which are equipped with modern avionics and safety systems.

IAF’s Response and Future Steps

With both pilots safe, the IAF will now focus on investigating the cause of the Mirage-2000 crash. The court of inquiry will analyze:

• The system malfunction that led to the crash
• Aircraft maintenance records
• Possible human or technical errors

Following the investigation, the IAF may implement additional safety measures to prevent future crashes and ensure the combat readiness of its fighter fleet.

The Mirage-2000 crash near Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, highlights the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force in maintaining aging fighter jets. While the pilots ejected safely, the cause of the accident is still under investigation. The incident also emphasizes the importance of modernizing India’s air defense systems to enhance safety and combat efficiency.