An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near Agra on its way from Adampur, Punjab, to participate in a scheduled exercise.
The pilot managed to eject safely and is reported to be unharmed. The incident occurred during a routine flight, and details on the cause of the crash are yet to be confirmed.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. The IAF has stated that further information will be released as the inquiry progresses.
India, the first international customer for the MiG-29, has been operating the aircraft since 1986, acquiring approximately 80 units over the years. The MiG-29 has been a key part of the IAF’s fleet, serving in various roles including air defense and ground attack. The aircraft has undergone several upgrades to enhance its capabilities, including avionics and weapons systems.
The IAF continues to operate and upgrade its MiG-29s while integrating more advanced fighters like the Rafale into its fleet.
Indian Air Force has retired all Russian-made MiG-21 fleets, which Indians call ‘flying coffins’, due to more than 400 peacetime accidents which killed more than 40 pilots.
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