The Indian Air Force confirmed that two of their senior pilots were killed after they ejected off Mirage 2000 fighter during its take off at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Yemalur runway in Bangalore.
The incident occurred at 10:30 am this morning. The Mirage 2000 jets are equipped with an ejection mechanism even when the aircraft is on ground. It still needs to be ascertained at what point during take off did the pilots eject.
The aircraft had just been upgraded by HAL, an investigation has been ordered on the crash.
HAL is government company that makes and upgrades aircrafts for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It also maintains and operates the military airport in Bengaluru.
The IAF operates 50 mirage aircrafts which are currently being upgraded by the HAL, the Mirage 2000 jets were commissioned in 1985.