Fighter Jet Crash During Training Mission
Two pilots of the Indian Air Force lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening when the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from the Jorhat Air Force Station. Authorities later confirmed that both pilots on board suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
Pilots Identified by the Air Force
The Indian Air Force confirmed the identities of the deceased pilots as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. In an official statement, the force expressed deep condolences to the families of the pilots and paid tribute to their service to the nation.
The Air Force said that all personnel stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this time of grief and acknowledged the sacrifice made by the officers in the line of duty.
Aircraft Lost Contact After Takeoff
According to defence officials, the aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat airbase for a routine training mission. Radar and communication contact with the aircraft was lost at around 7:42 PM, raising immediate concerns about its safety.
The fighter jet reportedly went missing approximately 60 kilometres from the airbase, prompting authorities to launch search and rescue operations to locate the aircraft and its crew.
Crash Site Located in Remote Terrain
The suspected crash site was located in a remote and forested region of Karbi Anglong, a district known for its hilly terrain and dense forests. Local residents reportedly heard a loud explosion and noticed smoke rising from the hills shortly after the aircraft lost contact with radar.
Rescue teams and security personnel were immediately dispatched to the area to verify the crash and recover the wreckage. The difficult terrain made access to the site challenging, slowing down the search operations.
About the Sukhoi-30MKI Fighter Jet
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet. It is a twin-seat, long-range, multirole combat aircraft originally developed by Russia’s Sukhoi design bureau and produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under licence.
The aircraft plays a crucial role in India’s air defence capabilities and is widely used for air superiority missions, strike operations, and strategic deterrence. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of more than 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets, making it the backbone of the country’s combat aviation strength.
Previous Incidents Involving Sukhoi Jets
While the Su-30MKI is considered a reliable and powerful aircraft, there have been a few accidents involving the jet in the past. A similar crash occurred in Maharashtra’s Nashik district in June 2024, and another incident was reported in January 2023 near Gwalior during a training mission.
Each such accident is typically followed by a detailed investigation to determine the cause and ensure improved safety measures for future operations.
Investigation Underway
Defence authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Technical teams are expected to examine the wreckage and flight data to identify whether the accident was caused by mechanical failure, weather conditions, or operational factors.
The tragic loss of the two pilots has once again highlighted the risks faced by military aviators who perform challenging missions to safeguard the country’s airspace.
