Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed Thursday night in Barmer, Rajasthan, when their twin-seater MiG-21 trainer plane crashed during a training mission. The plane was taking off from Utarlai Air Base. The accident happened around 9:10 p.m.

The IAF confirmed the development. "Around 9:10 p.m., the aircraft crashed near Barmer. Both pilots died of their injuries. The IAF sincerely regrets the loss of life and expresses its condolences to the bereaved families "It said.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of two Air Warriors in an accident involving an IAF MiG-21 trainer aircraft near Barmer, Rajasthan." Their contributions to the nation will not be forgotten. Following the terrible tragedy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "My sympathies are with the bereaved families in this hour of mourning." Following the tragedy, the minister also spoke with Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. The names of the two pilots have not yet been released by the IAF.

Since their introduction in the early 1960s, the Soviet-origin MiG-21 has been involved in approximately 200 accidents. For a long time, the MiG-21s were the IAF's mainstay.

In March, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhat stated in the Rajya Sabha that 42 defence personnel had perished in aircraft and helicopter accidents in the previous five years. During that time, there were 45 accidents, 29 of which involved the IAF.

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