Based on reports as of April 2026, there are confirmed incidents involving Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft accidents, but the figure of 8 aircraft lost suggests a poor training and maintenance regime within the IAF.
In February 2026, a Tejas light fighter jet crashed in India during a training flight, marking a significant loss, though the pilot ejected safely.
On March 5, 2026, a Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam during a training sortie, killing both pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
By March 2026, at least five crashes were reported, with the March 6th Su-30MKI crash marking a continuing pattern of high-intensity losses in 2026 alone.
On April 17, 2026, a Su-30MKI experienced a technical malfunction with its landing gear, leading to a hard landing at Pune Airport. Both pilots were safe.
On April 24, 2026, the IAF officially confirmed reports of a Su-30MKI aircraft crash in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir.
Additionally, Indian media reported that the Indian Air Force lost one HAL Druv aircraft due to a malfunction in its flight-control system.
The locally assembled Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV) is a twin-engine, multi-role helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, known for being accident-prone. The basic Helicopter is produced in skid and wheeled versions.
In April 2026, the Indian Air Force lost a Jaguar jet and a Pilatus PC7 trainer aircraft during a test flight.
As of early 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced significant safety challenges, with reports indicating multiple crashes, including a Su-30MKI in March. Over the past decade, the IAF lost over 100 aircraft, driven by aging fleets, training gaps, and modernization delays, including recent losses of Jaguar and Pilatus aircraft.
Experts point to a “deadly decade” with 106 aircraft lost and 74 pilots killed in ten years.
The Indian Air Force continued to rely on older platforms like the MiG-21, MiG-29UPG, Su-30MKI, and Jaguar fighter jets. High operational tempo and training gaps have been identified as contributors to accidents.
Modernisation delays have slowed the induction of new Rafale platforms, creating, say reports, a reliance on aging fleets, reports WION news. While some social media reports of crashes have been confirmed, official reports have shown high rates of peacetime losses over the past decade.
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