July 21, 2025: Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crash
On Monday, a tragic incident occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when an air force training jet crashed into a school campus, leading to at least 20 fatalities and over 170 injuries. The crash took place at Milestone School and College in the Uttara suburb shortly after 1:00 PM local time (07:06 GMT). Eyewitness accounts describe a significant explosion and subsequent fire, with thick smoke rising from the site.
Recently released CCTV footage captures the tragic air force jet crash at a school in Bangladesh on July 21, 2025. Official reports confirm 31 fatalities and over 160 individuals, mostly children, injured or burned. pic.twitter.com/VfgXnAu08i
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) July 22, 2025
Incident Overview
- Aircraft: The jet involved was an F-7 aircraft, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force.
- Cause: Officials stated that the jet experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff for a training exercise.
- Casualties: Among the deceased were the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, and 17 children, many of whom were students at the school. Most of the injured were aged between 10 and 15 years, suffering severe burns from jet fuel.
The IAF confirmed that the two jets, a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 and a French-made Mirage 2000, were engaged in routine operational training when the accident took place.
Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 28, 2023
One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Teachers and students present during the crash reported seeing the plane impact the building directly.
- Descriptions of the scene from both students and teachers conveyed a sense of chaos, with one student witnessing close friends die in front of him.
Emergency Response
Rescue efforts were hampered by the scale of the disaster, with emergency services working diligently amidst large crowds of onlookers. Victims were transported to multiple hospitals across Dhaka, with the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery receiving many of those in critical condition due to burns.
Official Response
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, announced that an investigation committee would be formed to ascertain the cause of the crash. He expressed condolences and pledged that “necessary measures” would be taken to support the victims and their families. Additionally, Bangladesh will observe a national day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast to honor the deceased.
This incident marks one of the most serious aviation accidents in Bangladesh in recent years.
The tragic loss of life has generated a wave of national sorrow, particularly given that many victims were children.
The investigation into the mechanical failures of the aircraft will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future and ensuring that aviation safety standards are upheld in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Plane Crash Update: 25 Children Among Dead After Training Mission Ends in Disaster
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) July 22, 2025
27 bodies in total have been recovered after a Bangladesh Air Force jet suffered mechanical failure, crashing into a college and school campus in Dhaka. 88 people have been… https://t.co/JMEVxgx1Ml pic.twitter.com/3GBZZEiDTc
The tragic plane crash at Milestone College in Dhaka, where a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training jet struck the campus, has left a profound mark on our hearts. The loss of at least 19 lives, including students, teachers, and the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, is… pic.twitter.com/gBE6FniZkV
— Anik 🩸 (@ghorgari) July 21, 2025
Recent Indian Air Force Jaguar Aircraft Crash
On July 10, 2025, a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) tragically crashed near Churu, Rajasthan, resulting in the deaths of two pilots during a routine training mission. This incident marks the third crash involving a Jaguar aircraft since March 2025, indicating a troubling trend regarding the operational safety of this aging fleet. The pilots, Squadron Leader Lokender and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, sustained fatal injuries, while the IAF confirmed that no damage to civilian property occurred.
The aircraft crashed around 12:30 PM near Bhavana Badavane village in Churu district.
Defence officials indicated that low-level sorties, which involve flying at altitudes of 150 meters or less, pose heightened risks due to potential bird strikes and unmarked obstructions.
Previous Incidents
- This incident is part of a series of crashes involving Jaguar jets:
- March 7, 2025: A similar jet crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ambala in Haryana. The pilot managed to eject safely.
- April 2, 2025: Another crash near Jamnagar, Gujarat, resulted in the death of one pilot and serious injuries to another.
Aircraft Specifications and History
The IAF’s Jaguar aircraft, of Anglo-French origin, is one of the oldest in its inventory, primarily serving as a twin-engine, single-seater deep-penetration strike aircraft with a maximum speed of 1,350 km/h. Originally inducted on July 26, 1979, it has a historical presence in the IAF, with six squadrons still operational today. Plans for an engine upgrade in 2010 were halted due to high costs from contractors, leaving the jets reliant on legacy Adour Mk 811 engines.
Despite avionics enhancements aimed at extending the aircraft’s operational capacity, including the current DARIN III upgrade focused on navigation and mission performance, the airframes remain outdated. As a result, there are strategic plans to phase out the Jaguar fleet gradually by 2035 in favor of modern aircraft such as the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
Strategic Implications
The recurring crashes raise substantial concerns regarding the Jaguar fleet’s operational viability. The IAF faces significant challenges in maintaining safety standards amidst an aging inventory. With other nations like France, the UK, Nigeria, and Oman having already retired the type, the IAF’s decision to update its assets is increasingly urgent.
Indian Air Force Accidents and Incidents:
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two brave air warriors in the Jaguar crash near Churu, Rajasthan today.
— RAJPUTANA RIFLES (@rajrif_india) July 10, 2025
Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu (Rohtak, Haryana)
Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Om Shanti 🙏🏻💐🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/V8VZzLuGpl
Ref: https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/indianairforce/database/accidents/listing.php?qyear=2025&qt=YR
February 1, 2019: Military Aircraft Crash in Bengaluru, India
Aircraft: Indian Air Force Mirage-2000
- A Mirage-2000 trainer aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) airport in Bengaluru, resulting in the fatalities of both pilots.
- The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, leading to a significant emergency response from local authorities.
- Initial eyewitness accounts indicate that one pilot was unable to eject in time, and while the second pilot ejected, he was severely injured and transported to a nearby hospital.
- The incident raises questions about the safety oversight and operational protocols within the Indian Air Force.
Several air accidents chronicle the risks faced in aviation within Karnataka. Here are some relevant incidents that illustrate the frequency and severity of these occurrences:
- March 6, 2008: A Saras light aircraft crashed near Bidadi, killing three pilots from the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment. The aircraft lost its balance during a test drive, leading to a fatal fire.
- September 8, 2007: A Vulcanair P68C aircraft belonging to a noted jeweller crashed into Gowdanapalya Lake, resulting in the deaths of four pilots. The aircraft reportedly lost communication with Air Traffic Control before it plunged.
- February 2007: A HAL Advanced Light Helicopter crashed during a rehearsal for an air show, killing its co-pilot and highlighting the inherent dangers associated with military and civilian aviation practices.
- August 19, 2005: A Kamov-28 helicopter, operating under the Indian Navy, crashed in Belgaum during poor weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of four personnel.
- April 17, 2004: Fatalities included leading actress Soundarya, her brother, and the pilot when a helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakkur airfield while heading to Andhra Pradesh for a political campaign.
- January 11, 2002: An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot succumbed to injuries following a crash of his Mig-29 fighter jet in Uttara Kannada district.
- March 21, 2001: An IAF MI-8 helicopter crashed shortly after departure from Yelahanka Air Base, resulting in the deaths of five personnel.
List of accidents and incidents involving military aircraft (2020–present)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_incidents_involving_military_aircraft_(2020–present)
May 2024: Bangladeshi Air Force pilot crashes and later dies from his injuries
Earlier today, a @BD_Air_Force YAK-130 aircraft crashed approximately 2 miles east of the airfield, into the Karnaphuli River, opposite the Patenga Container Terminal. Although the pilots managed to eject from the aircraft, Squadron Leader Asim Jawad was pronounced dead at the… pic.twitter.com/LPk47g2jG1
— Sami (@ZulkarnainSaer) May 9, 2024
Video shows high-risk stunt manoeuvre before Bangladeshi Air Force pilot crashes and later dies from his injuries. pic.twitter.com/bLaKaPXfPz
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) May 14, 2024
Source: Image – Twitter
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