The Indian Air Force is mourning the tragic loss of two officers after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed during a routine training mission in Assam.
The deceased officers have been identified as Anuj and Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to their families.
Crash Details
According to officials, the twin-seater Sukhoi Su-30MKI took off from Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday evening at approximately 7:42 pm for a routine training sortie.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost radar contact with air traffic control. The fighter jet later crashed in the remote forested region of Karbi Anglong, around 60 kilometers from Jorhat. The crash site is located in the Chokiola area of the Bokajan subdivision.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a massive fireball. Images from the scene showed wreckage scattered across dense forest terrain.
Search and Rescue Operation
The Indian Air Force immediately launched a search and rescue operation after losing radar contact with the aircraft. Emergency teams, including five ambulances from the IAF hospital in Jorhat, were dispatched to the crash site.
Rescue teams faced challenges due to the difficult terrain and dense forest area. Authorities confirmed the deaths of both pilots on Friday morning.
About the Su-30MKI Fighter Jet
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, long-range multirole combat aircraft originally designed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi.
In India, the aircraft is manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. With more than 260 units in service, the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet and plays a key role in air defense and combat operations.
Previous Incidents
Although the aircraft has a strong operational record, there have been occasional incidents. A Su-30MKI crash occurred near Nashik in June 2024, where the pilots ejected safely. Another crash was reported near Gwalior in January 2023.
Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the latest crash to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
