By Major (r) Haroon Rasheed — Defense and Strategic Analyst India’s Air Force may pride itself on its modernization efforts and acquisition of high-end fighter jets like the Rafale, but a troubling reality hides behind the optics of military parades and procurement deals. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced a historically high rate of aircraft losses and, more alarmingly, the deaths of trained pilots—mostly in non-combat situations. A deep dive into official and independently compiled data reveals a grim story of institutional negligence, poor training, and inadequate maintenance protocols. Trump says India not a good trading partner, vows tariff hike in 24 hours Dost, dost na raha: Congress mocks Modi-Trump ‘special bond’ amid tariff threat India expands defense capabilities with new military procurement For more such Opinions & Blogs, click here. A Bloody Legacy Since Independence Between 1982 and 1991, India lost 230 pilots—the highest in any non-war period since independence. This loss is even more stark considering that it excludes the tumultuous years of 1962 to 1971, when India fought three wars and lost 333 pilots during active combat operations. However, the real shock lies in the statistics from peacetime periods. According to a comprehensive study conducted by Colonel … Continue reading A Graveyard in the Skies: Alarming Losses of Indian Pilots Due to Poor Maintenance and Training