IAF Su-30MKI fighter jet crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong after losing radar contact, two pilots killed during training sortie
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on March 5, resulting in the death of two pilots. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Airbase for a routine training sortie before losing radar contact in the evening.
According to the IAF, the aircraft lost radar contact at around 7:42 pm shortly after departure from Jorhat in Assam. Following the loss of communication, the air force initially reported the aircraft as “overdue” and immediately launched a search and rescue operation.
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Loud explosion reported by locals
Residents in the Karbi Anglong region reported hearing a loud explosion shortly after the jet disappeared from radar. Eyewitnesses said the sound echoed across nearby hills, and some residents noticed smoke rising from the area where the crash is believed to have occurred.
IAF confirms deaths of two pilots
The Indian Air Force later confirmed that the two pilots onboard the aircraft died in the crash. The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
In a statement, the IAF said it acknowledges the loss of the two officers and expressed condolences to their families.
About the Su-30MKI fighter jet
The Su-30MKI is a two-seat, multirole long-range fighter aircraft used extensively by the Indian Air Force. Originally developed by a Russian manufacturer, the aircraft is produced in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The jet is equipped with advanced avionics, thrust-vectoring engines, and technology sourced from India, France, and Israel. It is capable of performing air superiority missions, ground attacks, and reconnaissance operations.
The Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, with around 250 aircraft currently in service. However, the fleet has experienced occasional accidents over the years. In June 2024, another Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the latest crash in Assam.
Published: 06 Mar 2026, 01:13 pm IST
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