(VIDEO) Watch the Final Moments of Indian MiG-29 Fighter Jet Crash and Fire
(VIDEO) A statement from the Indian Air Force reads: “An Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet crashed in Agra during a routine flight yesterday following a system malfunction.”
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet crashed in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday.
However, the pilot survived after successfully using the ejection seat.
The aircraft reportedly took off from Adampur in Punjab and was en route to Agra for a training exercise when it encountered a problem and crashed.
A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media in the country.
In a statement, the Indian Air Force said: “An Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter aircraft crashed in Agra during a routine flight today (yesterday) following a system malfunction.”
(THE VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT)
“The pilot managed to act quickly to avoid causing casualties or property damage on the ground before safely ejecting from the aircraft. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Air Force to determine the cause of the incident.”
Reports indicate that the ill-fated MiG-29 fighter had recently undergone upgrades and was known as the MiG-29UPG.
This is the second MiG-29 fighter jet crash in two months.
In September, another MiG-29 experienced technical issues during a routine night flight in Barmer, Rajasthan, and crashed.
The pilot also survived that incident.
Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jets are equipped with the Zvezda K-36D zero-zero ejection seats, which are reputed for their safety.
(THE VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT)
The debris of the crashed Indian MiG-29
The K-36D ejection seat is considered one of the most advanced in the market and is also installed in the IAF’s Su-30MKI fighters.
The Indian Air Force began operating MiG-29 fighters in 1987, acquiring around 80 aircraft from the Soviet Union (now Russia) at that time.
India has since upgraded its MiG-29 fleet, integrating them with modern avionics and technology in line with current advancements. — DSA