New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday confirmed that two of its pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission.

“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 Indian Air Force said on Friday.

According to the IAF, the Su-30MKI aircraft had taken off from Jorhat in Assam before it crashed on Thursday night.

“The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat,” the IAF said, adding that search operations were launched immediately after the incident.

Earlier, the Air Force had reported that the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after take-off.

“An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated,” the IAF had said.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and forms a key part of the IAF’s combat fleet.

The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 200 Su-30MKI fighter jets across various airbases in the country. (ANI)