New Delhi, Dec. 15: The air force has lost 18 MiG series fighter aircraft in three years at the rate of six a year till December 5, statistics placed in Parliament today revealed.

Defence minister A.K. Antony told the Lok Sabha that “the major causes for these crashes are human error, technical defects and bird hits”. He said each incident was investigated by courts and “remedial measures” have been taken.

The MiG series in the combat fleet comprise the mainstay MiG 21 interceptors, MiG 29 and MiG 27 air superiority fighters. The MiG 25, used mostly for surveillance, has been phased out. “Besides, a continuous and multi-faceted effort is always under way in the IAF to enhance and upgrade flight safety,” Antony said.

The loss of 18 aircraft in three years — none can be called new — is not a statistic that air headquarters’ directorate of inspections and flight safety would be happy with.

Antony said the quality of training was being improved so pilots could hone their skills better.