Two Indian Air Force pilots lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a training sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening.
The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident in an official statement. Furthermore, the force expressed condolences to the families of both officers and said it stands in solidarity with them during this difficult period.
Aircraft Lost Contact Shortly After Take-Off
According to defence officials, the fighter aircraft took off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine training mission.
However, authorities lost communication with the jet shortly after take-off. Sources said officials recorded the last contact with the aircraft at around 7:42 pm.
Soon after the aircraft became overdue, the Air Force launched a large search and rescue operation using helicopters and ground teams.
Later, rescue teams located the wreckage in a remote hilly area of Karbi Anglong, nearly 60 kilometres from Jorhat.
Local Residents Heard Loud Sound
Several local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound near the Nilip block area around 7 pm.
Some villagers also claimed they saw the aircraft descending before the crash occurred. Meanwhile, police and emergency personnel quickly reached the area to support rescue operations.
A local resident told ANI that authorities also deployed helicopters during the search efforts. In addition, police teams cordoned off the surrounding area soon after the incident.
Investigation Into Crash Begins
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash.
However, authorities are expected to conduct a court of inquiry to investigate possible technical issues, weather conditions, and operational factors connected to the accident.
The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, long-range multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi. Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited manufactures the aircraft in India under licence for the Indian Air Force.
India currently operates more than 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets, which play a major role in the country’s air defence and strike capabilities.
Previous Su-30MKI Crashes
Similar Su-30MKI crashes have occurred in recent years.
In June 2024, another fighter jet crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district during a test flight. Earlier, in January 2023, a Su-30MKI crashed near Gwalior shortly after take-off.
Meanwhile, recovery operations at the Assam crash site are still continuing. Authorities are expected to release more details after completing the investigation.
