ASSAM: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission, the Indian Air Force confirmed on Friday.
The deceased pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. In a post on X, the IAF expressed deep condolences to their families and acknowledged their loss.
“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 statement said.
Earlier, the Air Force had stated that search operations were underway after the aircraft lost radar contact. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which had taken off from Jorhat in Assam for a routine training mission, lost contact at around 7:42 pm.
“The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway,” the IAF had posted earlier.
According to officials, the aircraft was reported overdue after it failed to return following take-off from Jorhat airbase.
Speaking to ANI, a local resident said he witnessed the aircraft descending before the crash. “We heard a loud noise and an explosion. Police from the nearby Chowki Wala police station reached the spot and helicopters were deployed to search the area,” he said.
The Su-30MKI is a two-seater, multirole fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of more than 200 Su-30MKI aircraft, which form the backbone of its fighter fleet.
