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Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh – A Mirage 2000 trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Shivpuri district on Thursday during a routine training sortie. Both pilots successfully ejected before the crash, and no casualties have been reported.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Technical Malfunction
According to initial reports, the aircraft is suspected to have suffered a technical malfunction, leading to the crash. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the incident. Authorities have secured the crash site, and further investigations are underway.
Videos from the crash site showed debris scattered in an open field, with a large crowd gathered.
Mirage 2000: A Vital Asset for the IAF
The Mirage 2000, a multirole fighter aircraft, has been a key component of the Indian Air Force for decades. It played a significant role in several operations, including the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. While the IAF is actively modernizing its fleet, concerns over the safety of ageing aircraft remain.
Rising Concerns Over Air Force Aircraft Safety
The crash comes amid growing concerns over aircraft safety in the IAF. A recent report by the Standing Committee on Defence revealed that the IAF recorded 34 aircraft accidents during the 13th Defence Plan period (2017–2022).
2017–18: 8 aircraft accidents
2018–19: 11 accidents (highest in the period)
2019–20 & 2020–21: 3 accidents each year
2021–22: 9 accidents
The report also highlighted the tragic Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in December 2021, which claimed the life of then Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others. Investigators found that unexpected weather changes led to spatial disorientation of the pilot, resulting in the crash.
Human Errors and Technical Defects Among Leading Causes
The report categorised the causes of 34 IAF aircraft accidents as follows:
19 incidents due to human error by aircrew
9 accidents attributed to technical defects
Remaining cases linked to bird strikes, foreign object damage, or unexpected weather changes
Need for Fleet Modernisation and Enhanced Safety Measures
The recent Mirage 2000 crash has once again highlighted the need for fleet modernisation and enhanced safety measures within the IAF. While efforts are underway to upgrade India’s airpower capabilities, ensuring aviation safety remains a critical priority.
Authorities are expected to release further details once the Court of Inquiry submits its findings.
