20 IAF jets crashed in last 3 fiscals; loss of Rs 574-crore: government

New Delhi: Indian Air Force has lost 20 fighter aircraft in crashes in the last three financial years, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 574.42 crore to the exchequer, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The maximum number of crashes took place during the just- concluded 2014-15 fiscal, when IAF lost eight aircraft, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a written reply.

In 2012-13 and 2013-14, the force lost six aircraft each, he said, adding that there have been no crashes in the newly- commenced current fiscal.

The loss to the government in terms of value and service property due to such air crashes is estimated at Rs 574.42 crore, Parrikar said.

"Every accident/incident is thoroughly investigated by a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause and the recommendations are implemented. The main reasons for these accidents were human error and technical defects," the minister said.