IAF loses five aircraft this year

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) With today's crash of a MiG 21, the Indian Air Force have lost its fifth aircraft this year.

Out of the five crashes, three involved the MiG 21s.

In today's crash near Bagdogra Air Base, the pilot suffered minor injuries while the aircraft suffered extensive damage in the resultant fire.

On May 13, an HPT-32 trainer aircraft had crashed killing its woman pilot.

On April 29, a newly acquired British Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) crashed in Bidar. But the pilot ejected safely.

On January 31, a MiG 21 crashed in Hashimara, while on February 21, yet another MiG-21 crashed in Bhuj in Gujarat. The pilots ejected to safety in both the incidents.

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