An Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed while undertaking a routine night practice flight off the coast near Jamnagar in Gujarat on Wednesday. Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, 28 years old, died in the accident. He was a bright young fighter pilot hailing from Rewari, Haryana.
As per officials, the plane crashed after the jet suffered a technical failure in mid-air. Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav took charge of the situation immediately, ejecting his fellow pilot first and maneuvering the faulty jet away from populated areas to avoid civilian casualties. He finally landed the jet in an open field close to Suvarda village, some 12 km from Jamnagar City.
Final Moments of Heroism
In its release, the Indian Air Force acknowledged the act of bravery of the young pilot. As efforts to stabilise the aircraft were in place, the situation turned desperate. Siddharth Yadav ejected Flight Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Singh, his fellow pilot, before he lost his life. Singh was injured in the crash and has a fractured leg, with Superintendent Dr Deepak Tiwari confirming that he is getting treatment at the Guru Gobind Singh Government Hospital.
Military Legacy and Background
Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav belonged to a prestigious family with a long military tradition. His great-grandfather was in the Bengal Engineers during British times, his grandfather was in the paramilitary forces, and his father, Sushil Kumar, was a retired IAF officer before he joined LIC.
Yadav entered the National Defence Academy in 2016, underwent three years of tough training, and became commissioned as a fighter pilot. Within two years of active duty, he achieved the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
Pride and Sorrow in Rewari
“He was a brilliant student. We had always been proud of him… My father and grandfather were in the army. I was also in the Air Force. I am very proud of him; he lost his life while saving a life… But it is also a matter of grief as he was my only son,” his father, Sushil Kumar, said.
#WATCH | Rewri, Haryana | Air Force pilot Siddharth Yadav lost his life in a Jaguar fighter aircraft crash late last night in Jamnagar.
His father Sushil Yadav says, “The commanding air officer called last night at around 11 am and informed us about the incident that an aircraft… pic.twitter.com/UXxfHHn0IK
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025
Siddharth’s parents, his mother Sushila Devi, and younger sister Khushi, are grieving over his untimely death. His body arrive in Rewari by Friday morning. He will be given full military honors at his native village, Bhalkhi-Majra, where he will be cremated.
A Wedding That Will Never Be
To add to the tragedy, Siddharth was engaged only a week ago for the fatal air crash. The engagement had happened on March 23 with the Delhi girl, and the family had been making wedding arrangements on the date of November 2. He had re-joined duties on March 31 after joining his family at home.
The tragic news was conveyed to his family in the late hours of Wednesday night. A senior air officer told them that a pilot was rescued, but Siddharth died in the crash.
Nation Salutes a Hero
The Indian Air Force was deeply saddened by the loss and offered total support to the grieving family. It has also directed a Court of Inquiry to probe the reason behind the crash.
“Siddharth gave his life to save the lives of others. We are proud of him,” said his father.
The bravery and sacrifice of Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav are a testament to the valour and devotion of India’s military forces. His last act saved his fellow officer and prevented what might have become a huge civilian disaster. His name will be remembered with honour and respect.
