A Hero’s Sacrifice: IAF Pilot Lokender Singh, Who Welcomed His First Child, Lost in Tragic Rajasthan Crash
The Jaguar fighter jet that crashed near Churu, Rajasthan, on July 9, 2025, took off from the Suratgarh Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
On July 9, 2025, India mourned the loss of two brave Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, who perished in a Jaguar fighter jet crash near Churu, Rajasthan.
Among them, Squadron Leader Lokender Singh’s story has struck a deep chord, as the 32-year-old pilot had just welcomed his first child, a baby boy, on June 10, 2025. This blog pays tribute to Lokender’s life, his dedication to the nation, and the profound tragedy that has left his family and the country in grief.
A Bright Star from Rohtak
Born in Kheri Sadh village, Rohtak, Haryana, Lokender Singh Sindhu was a shining example of determination and patriotism. The youngest of three siblings, Lokender grew up in a family that valued education and service. His father, Joginder Singh, a retired superintendent from Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), and his mother, a school teacher, nurtured his dreams from an early age. His elder sister, Anshi, served as a short-service commissioned officer in the IAF, while his brother, Gyanendra, works as an engineer in a multinational company.
Lokender’s academic brilliance was evident early on. He excelled in his studies at MDU’s campus school and cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam on his first attempt in 2011. After completing his rigorous training, he was commissioned as a fighter pilot in 2016 and posted at Suratgarh Air Force Station, Rajasthan, where he flew the IAF’s Jaguar, a deep-penetration strike aircraft. His family recalled him as “calm, composed, and fearless,” with a lifelong dream of serving the nation by touching the skies.
A New Chapter Cut Short
Lokender’s life had recently entered a joyous phase. In 2020, he married Dr. Surbhi Sindhu, a doctor from Hisar, and on June 10, 2025, the couple welcomed their first child, a son. The family was still in celebration mode, with Surbhi staying at her parental home in Hisar when the devastating news of Lokender’s death arrived. Having rejoined duty on June 30 after the birth of his son, Lokender was on a routine training mission when the Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed in an agricultural field near Bhanoda village, Churu, around 1:25 pm on July 9.
According to his brother Gyanendra, the aircraft suffered a technical fault, and Lokender, aware of the densely populated area below, chose to steer the jet toward an open field to minimize civilian casualties. This selfless act, noted by eyewitnesses, underscored his courage and commitment to protecting others, even at the cost of his life.
The Tragic Crash and Its Aftermath
The Jaguar crash, the third such incident involving the aircraft since March 2025, claimed the lives of both pilots on board—Lokender and 23-year-old Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh from Pali, Rajasthan. The IAF has launched a court of inquiry to investigate the cause, with initial reports pointing to a technical malfunction. No civilian property was damaged, a testament to the pilots’ efforts to avoid populated areas.
Lokender’s mortal remains were brought to Rohtak on July 10, where his final rites were performed with full state honors. The nation, from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to local communities, expressed profound grief. Posts on X echoed the sentiment, with users calling Lokender a “hero of Rohtak” and mourning the loss of a pilot who had just stepped into fatherhood.
A Ascent of a Hero
Lokender’s story is one of sacrifice and valor. His grandfather, a retired Army Havildar, described him as a beloved grandson who always obeyed and dreamed big. His untimely death has reignited debates about the IAF’s reliance on aging Jaguar aircraft, with some on X criticizing the force’s continued use of outdated equipment, which has led to multiple crashes.
Yet, Lokender’s legacy is not defined by the tragedy but by his life—a brilliant student, a skilled pilot, a devoted husband, and a new father. His family, still reeling from the joy of a newborn, now faces unimaginable loss. His sister Anshi’s service in the IAF and his own journey through the NDA reflect a family dedicated to the nation, making his sacrifice all the more poignant.
A Nation Mourns
Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu’s death is a stark reminder of the risks IAF pilots undertake daily. His courage in choosing a crash site to save lives and his dedication since joining the IAF in 2016 will not be forgotten. As India salutes Lokender and Rishi Raj Singh, their sacrifice inspires generations, even as it leaves a month-old son and a grieving family behind.
The IAF and the nation stand in solidarity with Lokender’s family, offering condolences and honoring a hero whose final flight saved lives on the ground. His story, shared widely on platforms like X, will remain a testament to bravery and selflessness.
