A twin seater Mig-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries.

IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families.

A court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

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ABB/AM/JP