New Delhi, March 9: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday lost MiG-21 aircraft in a crash in Rajasthan's Nal region which is close to the border with Pakistan in Bikaner. The pilot ejected from the aircraft after it developed a technical snag. He was rushed to medical attention and condition is now reported to be safe and stable. With this, the IAF has lost seven warplanes this year. Meanwhile, in February alone, the force lost five aircraft. Many defence experts are of the opinion that the IAF's fleet needs revamp as it is becoming vintage.

On February 1, a mirage 2000 trainer fighter aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) crashed at HAL Airport in Bengaluru. Both the pilots of the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. On February 12, a Mig-27 fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. The pilot of the crashed MiG 27 jet was reported to be safe.  A day ahead of the Aero India 2019 also, two Hawk aircraft of Suryakiran aerobatic team crashed at Yelahanka. One pilot was killed in the accident while the other managed to eject safely.

Meanwhile, on February 27, the Pakistan Air Force fighter jets violated the Indian airspace, a day after the IAF carried out air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot. In retaliation, Indian fighter jets intercepted the PAF’s jest. In the engagement, India’s Mig-21 Bison shot down Pakistan’s F-16 jet, while, the IAF also lost Mig-21 Bison which was flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He was later taken into the custody by Pakistan. Two days later, the IAF officer was released.

On the same day, India also lost Mi-17 V5 transport chopper in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district. In which six IAF personnel lost their lives. Earlier on January 28 too, an IAF Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh. The pilot was reported to be safe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 09, 2019 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).