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A concerning pattern of accidents within the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the Thirteenth Defence Plan period (2017-2022) has brought to light the urgent need for a comprehensive safety audit and significant improvements in training protocols.
The data, revealing a consistent number of mishaps across various aircraft types, underscores critical challenges facing India's aerial defence capabilities.
The period spanning 2017 to 2022 witnessed a fluctuating yet persistent number of accidents. In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the IAF recorded 8 accidents, followed by 11 in 2018-19, a dip to 3 in both 2019-20 and 2020-21, and a concerning rise to 9 in 2021-22.
These incidents involved a diverse range of the IAF's fleet, including frontline fighters like the MiG-21, MiG-27, Su-30, and Jaguar, trainers such as the Kiran and Hawk, helicopters including the Mi-17 and ALH, and transport aircraft like the AN-32.
The analysis of these accidents reveals recurring causes, predominantly "Human Error" attributed to both aircrew and servicing personnel. Technical defects and Foreign Object Damage (FOD) also played a significant role.
For instance, in 2017-18, a MiG-21 crash was attributed to FOD, while a Su-30 incident was linked to a technical defect. Human error, specifically of the aircrew, was cited in the crashes of an ALH and a Kiran trainer aircraft the same year.
The pattern continued in subsequent years, with notable incidents like the 2018-19 crashes of a Jaguar due to a technical defect and a MiG-21 due to human error (aircrew), as well as the 2019-20 loss of an AN-32, again attributed to human error (aircrew). 2021-22 saw one crash of Mirage-2000 which is under investigation but cause for crash of Mig-21 was concluded as Human error.
A significant contributing factor to this trend is the aging nature of the IAF's fleet. The MiG-21, in particular, has gained notoriety for its safety record. According to public data, over 400 MiG-21s have crashed in India since their induction in 1963, killing over 200 pilots and earning it the grim nickname "flying coffin."
While a crucial part of the IAF's history and a workhorse for decades, these older aircraft are prone to technical malfunctions and require intensive maintenance, inherently increasing the risk of accidents. The Indian Government has announced plans to phase out the remaining MiG-21 squadrons by 2025, replacing them with more modern aircraft.
However, the issue extends beyond aging aircraft. The prevalence of human error, encompassing both aircrew decision-making and ground maintenance procedures, highlights the critical need for a multi-pronged approach. This includes rigorous and continuous training, the development of more stringent safety protocols, and investments in improved human-machine interfaces on newer aircraft.
The string of accidents, each a hard lesson in operational safety, demands a thorough reassessment of the IAF's current practices. Experts suggest that a comprehensive safety audit, independent of the IAF, could identify systemic issues and recommend solutions. In addition, enhanced training programs that utilize advanced simulators, incorporate stress management techniques, and focus on crew resource management (CRM) could mitigate human error.
Furthermore, a faster pace of fleet modernization is crucial. While the IAF has inducted newer aircraft like the Rafale, the process needs acceleration to replace aging platforms effectively. The ongoing development of indigenous aircraft like the Tejas LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) is a positive step in this direction, but timely induction and operationalization are essential.
The safety and operational readiness of the Indian Air Force are paramount to national security. Addressing the challenges highlighted by these accident statistics is not just about replacing old aircraft but also about fostering a culture of safety, investing in advanced training, and implementing robust maintenance procedures.
Only through such a comprehensive approach can India ensure the safety of its air warriors and the effectiveness of its aerial defence capabilities. The repeated incidents of human error, technical defects, and FOD, along with unique causes like bird strikes, point to a systemic issue that demands immediate and thorough attention to prevent future tragedies and bolster the IAF's operational readiness.
