A two-seater Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during a night mission in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one pilot and serious injuries to another.

Following the crash, one pilot ejected safely, while the other was initially reported missing, Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu told PTI. The rescued pilot was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care.

The aircraft went down in an open field near Suvarda village, about 12 km from Jamnagar, and caught fire upon impact.

In an official statement on X, the Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilots encountered a technical malfunction and attempted an emergency ejection to prevent damage to the airfield and surrounding areas.

“Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is undergoing medical treatment in Jamnagar. The IAF deeply regrets this loss and extends its support to the bereaved family,” the statement read.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the crash.

This incident follows another IAF Jaguar crash on March 7 near Ambala, Haryana, where a pilot ejected safely after the aircraft suffered a technical failure during a routine evening sortie. A similar inquiry was launched to determine the cause.