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Tensions between Pakistan and India after the deadly Pahalga attack have once again drawn attention to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) troubling crash record.
With past incidents like the downing of an IAF Mig-21 and capture of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan, the IAF’s performance remains under scrutiny.
Media reports revealed that, up to September 2023, the IAF lost 2,374 aircraft in crashes, including 1,126 fighter jets, 1,248 non-fighter aircraft, 229 trainers, and 196 helicopters. These crashes resulted in 1,305 pilot fatalities.
Indian experts have openly criticized the IAF’s combat aircraft shortages, saying the number of aircraft lost exceeds 50 squadrons – a serious gap in India’s defense preparedness.
Historically, the IAF lost many aircraft during wars with Pakistan in 1947-48, 1965, and 1971, with the 1965 war seeing major losses during PAF’s preemptive strikes at Pathankot and Kalaikunda.
The report further claimed that the IAF’s own records from 1965 admit it suffered “disproportionately higher losses” compared to the PAF, partly due to flying outdated planes while Pakistan used advanced US fighter jets.
An audit report titled Aircraft Accidents in the IAF (2002) revealed the accident rate for fighters was as high as 3.99 per 10,000 flight hours in the 1990s, far higher than the US Air Force’s 0.29 during the same period.
Causes behind the crashes include human error, technical faults, and environmental factors like bird strikes. Additionally, maintenance issues and spare part shortages – especially for aging MiG variants – worsened safety concerns.
The MiG-21, nicknamed the “flying coffin” and “widow maker,” symbolizes this crisis, with half of IAF crashes blamed on pilot errors and training deficiencies.
Despite periodic investigations and reviews, concerns over aircraft safety, training standards, and outdated fleets continue to challenge the IAF’s operational strength.
