Bikaner, Rajasthan: According to sources, the MiG-21 took off from Nal on a routine mission this afternoon when it suffered a technical problem.

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The fighter jet MiG-21 Bison, flying in Bikaner’s Shobhasar Ki Dhani crashed today, the defence spokesperson told sources. The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot managed to eject successfully.

According to sources, the MiG-21 took off from Nal on a routine mission this afternoon when its engine developed technical issues. Initial inputs suggest that the aircraft malfunctioned due to a bird hit, the defence spokesperson said.

A statement from the IAF said: “Today afternoon a MiG-21 aircraft on a routine mission crashed after getting airborne from Nal near Bikaner. Pilot of the aircraft ejected safely. A CoI will investigate the cause of the accident.”

Bikaner Superintendent of Police Pradeep Mohan Sharma said police teams have been sent to the site of the crash to cordon off the area. No loss of life was reported, he added. 

The cause of the accident will be investigated by a Court of Inquiry reported sources.

Stay tuned for more updates!