2002 Jalandhar MiG-21 crash

The 2002 Jalandhar MiG-21 crash refers to an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter aircraft that crashed near Jalandhar, Punjab, on 11 September 2002. The aircraft was executing a routine training mission when it encountered technical difficulties, leading to a loss of control and subsequent crash in a populated area. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected and survived the incident. The crash raised concerns regarding the aging fleet of MiG-21 aircraft and their safety standards, prompting discussions within the IAF about the modernization and replacement of older aircraft. The MiG-21 has been a significant component of India's air defense since the 1960s, and this incident highlighted ongoing challenges in military aviation safety.