A Bangladesh Air Force training jet has crashed during a routine exercise, resulting in the death of the pilot, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the northwestern region of the country, where the F-7 fighter aircraft went down near the Bangabandhu Air Base. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the pilot did not survive the crash.
Details of the Incident
The jet was reportedly on a standard training mission when the accident happened. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, though initial reports suggest a possible technical malfunction.
"The pilot was highly experienced, and we are deeply saddened by this loss," a Bangladesh Air Force spokesperson said. "A thorough inquiry will be conducted to prevent such tragedies in the future."
Recent Safety Concerns
This marks the latest in a series of military aviation accidents in Bangladesh. Last year, another training flight ended in disaster, raising questions about maintenance protocols and pilot training standards.
The F-7, a Chinese-built fighter jet, has been a mainstay of Bangladesh's air defence for decades. While generally considered reliable, ageing fleets have prompted calls for modernisation.
Defence analysts suggest this incident may accelerate plans to upgrade the country's military aircraft inventory.
