Pakistani fighter jet crashes during training flight

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage V ROSE fighter jet crashed on Tuesday in the Ratta Tibba area of Vehari district, Punjab, during a routine operational training flight from PAF Base Rafiqui.

Both pilots onboard the aircraft managed to eject safely before the crash and were recovered in good health, according to a statement issued by the PAF, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The Mirage V ROSE, an upgraded version of the French-built Mirage 5, has served as a vital component of Pakistan’s air defence strategy for decades. Despite the aircraft’s age, the Retrofit of Strike Element (ROSE) program has significantly enhanced its combat capabilities through modernized avionics, radar systems, and precision weaponry.

Originally developed by Dassault Aviation, the Mirage series has been part of the PAF fleet since the late 1960s. Pakistan currently operates both Mirage III and Mirage 5 variants, each serving distinct roles—Mirage III as a multirole platform and Mirage 5 for ground attack and reconnaissance missions.

While the aircraft continues to play a role in the air force’s tactical operations, the recent crash underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining and operating legacy platforms, even after modernization efforts. The PAF is gradually phasing out these aging fighters in favor of newer platforms such as the domestically produced JF-17 Thunder.

A PAF spokesperson confirmed that a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

No casualties or damage on the ground have been reported.

By Khagan Isayev