New father, eldest son: All about the two IAF pilots killed in Jaguar jet crash in Churu

Churu, Rajasthan | July 10, 2025 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the nation are in mourning following a tragic Jaguar fighter aircraft crash on Tuesday that claimed the lives of two brave pilots — Squadron Leader Gagandeep Singh and Flight Lieutenant Advit Kulshreshtha. The jet, on a routine training mission from the Jodhpur Air Force Station, crashed in a remote area of Churu district in Rajasthan around 5:30 am, leaving behind a trail of debris and a nation reeling from loss.

Who Were the Pilots?

The two officers who perished were not only decorated servicemen but also beloved sons of India.

Squadron Leader Gagandeep Singh, a recently promoted officer, had just become a father a few weeks ago. Known for his precision and composure under pressure, he had served the IAF for over eight years and was hailed as a dependable leader by his colleagues. His family, based in Punjab, is devastated. Neighbors recall a humble man who had dreamt of flying since childhood.

Flight Lieutenant Advit Kulshreshtha, a 26-year-old pilot from Uttar Pradesh, was the eldest son of his family and their pride. A brilliant graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he was known for his academic and aviation excellence. Advit’s journey in the IAF was just beginning, and those who knew him say he was full of energy and love for flying. His tragic death has plunged his hometown into mourning.

Crash Details and Initial Investigation

According to IAF sources, the Jaguar fighter was on a training sortie when it experienced a "critical emergency." Despite attempts to regain control, both pilots ejected moments before the aircraft impacted the ground. Unfortunately, the parachutes failed to deploy effectively due to the low altitude of the ejection.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash. While preliminary findings hint at a possible mechanical failure, senior IAF officials emphasized that investigations would take time and all angles would be explored.

Eyewitness Accounts

Local residents from a nearby village rushed to the site after hearing a thunderous explosion. “We saw a huge plume of smoke. The aircraft was already in pieces,” said Arjun Ram, a farmer from the area. “We tried to get close, but the heat and flames made it impossible. Later, we saw the rescue helicopters arriving.”

The wreckage was strewn across a large area, and the IAF cordoned off the site swiftly to secure sensitive equipment.

Nation Pays Tribute

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the two pilots "heroes in uniform" and assured their families of full support from the government.

The IAF, in its official statement, said:

“We deeply regret the loss of our brave air warriors. The Indian Air Force stands firmly with the bereaved families in this moment of grief.”

Social media was flooded with tributes and condolences. Many veterans shared photos and memories, highlighting the selfless nature of service life and the sacrifices made by airmen.

Safety and Ageing Aircraft Concerns

The Jaguar is a deep-strike aircraft introduced into the IAF in the late 1970s. Though modernized over the years, there have been concerns about its aging airframe. Several defence analysts believe the crash raises renewed questions about the reliability of older jets.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Manmohan Bahadur stated,

“The Jaguar has served the IAF admirably, but it’s nearing the end of its operational lifespan. We need faster fleet replacement and stricter maintenance protocols.”

The IAF has initiated upgrades in avionics and weapons systems for Jaguars, but airworthiness remains a concern. The force is in transition, with Tejas Mk-1A and Rafale jets gradually replacing older aircraft.

Investor and Defence Sector Outlook

While the tragic crash will not have a direct impact on the stock market, it could renew focus on defence modernization initiatives. Defence contractors like Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) saw a minor uptick following discussions around fleet modernization.

Analysts at ICICI Securities noted,

“There is an emotional and strategic push every time such a tragedy occurs. The government may accelerate procurement processes for newer platforms, which could benefit Indian and foreign defence players.”

With the Defence Acquisition Council already pushing for Make-in-India initiatives, a faster phase-out of aging aircraft could further stimulate private sector participation.

A Legacy of Sacrifice

For Squadron Leader Gagandeep Singh and Flight Lieutenant Advit Kulshreshtha, their final flight ended in tragedy, but their legacies will endure. In service, they demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment, and in their loss, they reminded the nation of the price of peace.

Their names will join the hallowed ranks of those who gave their lives in the line of duty, ensuring India’s skies remain protected.