Concerns Over Indian Military Competence Rise Amid Recent Crashes

Recent incidents involving the Indian military have sparked concerns about its competence and operational efficiency. In one incident, a Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Gujarat during a rescue mission. The helicopter, carrying two pilots and two divers, went down on September 2, with the pilots still missing.

In another troubling event, a MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in the Barmer sector of Rajasthan on the night of September 2-3. Preliminary reports suggest the crash was due to pilot inexperience, raising further questions about the training and preparedness of Indian military personnel.

These incidents are part of a worrying trend, with the Indian Air Force having recorded 535 aircraft crashes over the past three decades, including 46 accidents in the last five years alone. The frequency of these accidents, which have claimed the lives of 42 pilots in recent years, has led to growing scrutiny of the Indian military’s capabilities.

The repeated failures have cast doubts on the Indian military’s readiness to effectively manage its defense responsibilities. Moreover, these incidents raise broader questions about the impact of government policies on the defense sector, particularly in terms of training, maintenance, and overall military strategy.