Shivpuri: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage 2000 twin-seater fighter aircraft crashed near Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh Thursday during a routine training sortie. The crash, though, was fortunately averted, as both pilots ejected safely before the aircraft went down in the vicinity of Sunari Chowki.
Defence officials reportedly told reporters that the crash was caused by a system malfunction. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the IAF confirmed the incident, saying, “In an accident that occurred today, a Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF met with a system malfunction during a routine training sortie near Shivpuri (Gwalior). Both the pilots ejected safely. IAF ordered an inquiry to understand the cause of the accident.”
Visuals from the crash site showed the wrecked hulk surrounded by flames, and heavy smoke rose from the wreckage. Local authorities and emergency response teams soon arrived at the site to handle the situation and keep the public safe.
It is another incident after a MiG 29 IAF fighter jet crashed into a field in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in November 2024 while carrying out a routine sortie. A technical glitch caused the crash, but the pilot was able to eject safely and did not cause any casualties.
To improve flight safety, the IAF has extensively investigated into such accidents to determine the cause. The Mirage 2000, a multi role fighter aircraft by French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, has been an important component of the IAF fleet with its capacity to strike with precision and has been in service with the IAF since quite a while.
Whilst this ejection process is a relief because the pilots were safe, questions are being raised about technical malfunctions in ageing fighter jets. However, the court of inquiry will further illuminate the cause of the crash and necessary preventive measures.
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