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"A MiG-21 aircraft, operating from Suratgarh (Rajasthan) crashed during the military exercises, killing the pilot Flying Officer Ajay Sharma,'' an IAF spokesman said.
The mishap occurred in Bikaner district. An inquiry has been ordered.
The five-day exercise, codenamed 'Poorna Vijay' (complete victory) and aimed at training troops to face future battle scenarios in the backdrop of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, began on Saturday in Rajasthan with more than 50,000 troops and 120 IAF aircraft taking part.
Among the aircraft taking part are those of the MiG series, Jaguar fighters, transport planes and helicopters, including the newly inducted Mi-17V attack helicopters.
Top line fighters, Sukhois and Mirage-2000s, have not been drafted for the exercise, the largest in 13 years.
During the mock fight, IAF fighters will launch deep penetration strikes at 'enemy positions' besides providing air cover to ground troops.
The exercise are to end with a massive firepower demonstration by IAF aircraft at the Pokhran test range.
The IAF lost six MiG-series aircraft in crashes between January one and April 15 this year. In the last three financial years (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01), 54 MiG aircraft were lost in crashes, killing 25 pilots.
In 1999-2000, 22 fighter planes, including 13 MiG-21, three MiG-27, one MiG-23, one MiG-29 and four jaguars, crashed.
During 2000-2001, 18 aircraft, including 12 MiG-21 and three each of the MiG-23 and MiG-27 class, were lost.
UNI
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