Janice R. Andrews
A routine training mission turned dramatic when an Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter aircraft crashed in Uttar Pradesh’s Kagaroul area, close to Agra, on November 4, 2024. Both pilots successfully ejected and emerged unharmed after the aircraft encountered technical difficulties during its return flight from Adampur, Punjab.
Local witnesses observed the aircraft wreckage ablaze in farmland near Songa village, with plumes of black smoke visible from afar. Security forces quickly cordoned off the crash site to protect civilians and preserve evidence.
The IAF has initiated a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. This incident adds to discussions about the operational status of India’s aging MiG-29 fleet, which has long served as a crucial component of the nation’s air defense capabilities.
Military officials confirmed that all emergency procedures were properly executed during the incident. The investigation’s findings, expected to be released in upcoming weeks, will be crucial for implementing additional safety measures as the IAF continues its fleet modernization efforts amid evolving regional security dynamics.
