Indian Air Force lost seven warplanes in 2019: Russian media

The Indian Air Force has lost seven fighter aircraft since the beginning of 2019, according to a Russian media report.

The Mosco-based Sputnik stated that in February alone, the IAF lost five aircraft with one casualty.

‘The largest casualty was recorded during the 28 January Mi-17 chopper crash which killed all six persons on board, it added.

A MiG-21 Bison crashed in the north Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday making it the seventh fighter jet to have crashed in this year.

“In February alone, the IAF lost five aircraft. On 1 February, a Mirage 2000 crashed while on an acceptance sortie after being upgraded by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).”

“On 19 February, two Hawk aircraft of the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatic team crashed after hitting each other mid-air during a rehearsal for the AeroIndia show. One of the pilots was killed in the accident.”

On 27 February, Pakistan shot down one MiG-21 Bison during an aerial fight after India violated the airspace.

Although the pilot managed to eject, he was captured by Pakistan after landing in Azad Kashmir. Wing Commander Varthaman was returned to India two days later too cool off the rising temperatures in the region.

The same day, a Mi-17 chopper was also downed by the Pakistan Air Force the wreckage of which fell in Budgam District in Indian Occupied Kashmir killing all six on board.