A Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed today near Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, while on a routine training mission. The two pilots onboard the multirole jet were able to eject safely and are reported to be unharmed. The crash is under investigation, with a court of inquiry ordered to determine the cause of the incident. Mirage 2000 aircraft have been in service with the IAF for several decades and are renowned for their reliability and versatility in various combat operations.
 

The Mirage 2000, manufactured by French aviation giant Dassault Aviation, first took to the skies in 1978 and has been widely used by the French Air Force and other global military forces. The aircraft is known for its multirole capabilities, including air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. It became particularly notable in India’s military history during the Kargil War, where the Mirage 2000's precision bombing on terrorist positions in the mountains helped secure critical successes for Indian forces. In more recent years, it was also instrumental in the Balakot airstrike against a terrorist camp in Pakistan in 2019.
 

With over 600 Mirage 2000 jets built and 50% of them exported worldwide, the aircraft remains a key asset for multiple air forces, including India’s. The incident near Shivpuri today has prompted the IAF to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, but both pilots have been confirmed to be safe following the emergency. The investigation will help ensure the continued operational readiness and safety of these vital fighter jets in the IAF’s fleet.