Pakistan Air Force Mirage V Fighter Jet Crashes in Vehari

On April 15, 2025, a Mirage V ROSE fighter jet from the Pakistan Air Force crashed in the Punjab province, specifically near the Ratta Tibba area of Vehari district. The incident occurred during a scheduled training flight originating from Rafiki Air Base in Shorkot. Preliminary reports suggest that the crash was caused by a technical failure; however, a special commission appointed by the Air Force command is currently investigating the exact circumstances.

Both pilots on board successfully ejected and were promptly evacuated, sustaining only minor injuries and currently under medical observation. Fortunately, there were no civilian casualties or damage to residential properties; however, the aircraft did crash in a farming area near Luddan Road, resulting in damage to crops.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing plumes of smoke rising from the field. Videos circulating on social media captured the burning debris and crowds of bystanders gathered at the crash site. Locals observed the pilots’ parachutes descending nearby and rushed to offer assistance. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, and rescue services began managing the aftermath of the incident. Pakistani officials have pledged a thorough investigation to determine whether the accident stemmed from technical issues or human error.

The crash of the Mirage V ROSE adds to concerns regarding the aging fleet of the Pakistan Air Force. Developed by France’s Dassault Aviation in the 1960s, the Mirage V remains a crucial component of Pakistan’s air capabilities, despite undergoing upgrades through the Retrofit of Strike Element (ROSE) program that commenced in the 1990s. This program enhanced the jets with modern avionics, radars, and targeting systems, enabling them to conduct precision strikes, including the capability to deliver nuclear weapons. Nonetheless, the aircraft’s age and challenges in securing spare parts have heightened the risk of accidents, as noted by The Express Tribune. In 2024, another Mirage V crashed during a training mission in Jhang Agency, with the pilot also ejecting safely.

According to Geo News, Rafiki Air Base, from which the crashed jet took off, is a vital installation for the Pakistan Air Force, named after the legendary pilot Cecil Chaudhry. The base supports fighter squadron operations and training missions, playing a key role in regional security. The recent crash has raised alarms within military circles, as the Mirage V constitutes a significant portion of the air force’s fleet until it is gradually replaced by the more modern JF-17 Thunder, developed in collaboration with China. As reported by Daily Pakistan, while Pakistan has been actively modernizing its fleet, it remains reliant on older aircraft due to financial constraints.