“The aircraft was on a routine operational flying training mission. One of the three pilots involved sustained fatal injuries. An investigation has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF said.
Both aircraft took off from the Gwalior Air Base, where training was underway. The Su-30 was carrying two pilots while the Mirage 2000 had one pilot at the time of the crash.
An IAF court of inquiry will establish whether it was a mid-air collision.
According to Defense Ministry sources, “The Air Chief briefed Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh about the accident. He inquired about the welfare of the IAF pilots and is closely monitoring the developments.”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the news of Air Force Sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000 aircraft crashing near Kolaras in Morena. I have directed the local administration to cooperate. Air Force is engaged in quick rescue and relief operations. I pray to God for the safety of the pilots of the aircraft. I pray.”
Very saddened to hear about the crash of Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000 aircraft near Kolaras in Morena.… https://t.co/vI5ByiSo1W
— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) 1674887153000
See Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 planes crashed in Morena, Madhya Pradesh.