IAF mourns loss of two pilots after Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet crashes in Assam during routine operational training sortie
New Delhi : Two pilots of the Indian Air Force lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in the hills of Karbi Anglong district in Assam during a training mission. The accident occurred after the aircraft lost contact with radar, and later rescue teams confirmed that both officers on board had died due to fatal injuries.
IAF Statement
The Indian Air Force officially confirmed the deaths of the two officers in a statement shared on the social media platform X.
According to the statement, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar lost their lives after suffering fatal injuries in the Sukhoi crash. The Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss of the two officers and extended condolences to their families.
The official statement said:
“IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
The message reflected the deep sorrow within the force and its support for the families of the fallen officers.
Aircraft Was on a Training Mission
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, one of the main combat aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
The jet had taken off from the IAF airbase in Jorhat in Assam for a routine training flight. According to officials, the aircraft was flying normally after take-off but later lost contact with ground control while it was still on the mission.
Radar Contact Lost at 7:42 PM
Defence officials said the last communication with the aircraft was recorded at around 7:42 PM on Thursday. Soon after that, the jet disappeared from radar screens.
When the aircraft did not respond to repeated communication attempts, the Air Force declared it missing and started search operations to locate the fighter jet and its pilots.
Later, the crash site was found in a mountainous area of Karbi Anglong, located about 60 kilometres from the Jorhat airbase.
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Locals Reported a Loud Explosion
People living in nearby villages said they heard a loud explosion in the hills around the same time the aircraft lost contact.
Some residents also reported seeing smoke rising from the crash site. These reports helped search teams identify the possible location of the aircraft.
Soon after receiving these inputs, rescue teams were sent to the area to search for the wreckage and the pilots.
Search and Rescue Operation Launched
After the jet disappeared from radar, the Indian Air Force started a search and rescue operation.
Teams from the Air Force and local authorities were deployed in the difficult and hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong to locate the aircraft.
The search operation later confirmed that the fighter jet had crashed in the area and that both pilots had died due to fatal injuries.
About the Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seat, multirole, long-range fighter aircraft designed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi.
India operates one of the largest fleets of these fighter jets. Most of them are manufactured in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The Su-30MKI is considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet and plays an important role in air defence and combat operations.
The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 250 to 260 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft across different airbases in the country.
Previous Fighter Jet Incidents
This accident is part of a number of fighter aircraft incidents reported in recent years.
Earlier, a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet crashed in Nashik district of Maharashtra in June 2024. Another similar aircraft crashed near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh in January 2023.
In such cases, defence authorities conduct detailed investigations to find out the exact cause of the accident. The reasons could include technical problems, human error, or environmental conditions.
Investigation Expected Into the Crash
The Indian Air Force is expected to order a detailed investigation into the crash to determine what exactly caused the accident.
According to standard procedure, the Air Force usually forms a Court of Inquiry in such cases. The investigation team studies technical data, flight records, and possible mechanical issues.
The final findings will help determine whether the crash happened due to a technical fault, operational factors, or any other reason.
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