2 IAF pilots die after Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashes during training mission in Assam
A tragic accident struck the Indian Air Force during a routine training operation in Assam. Two fighter pilots lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft crashed in Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening. The incident once again raised concerns about operational risks during military training missions.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. Both officers flew the aircraft during the training sortie. The crash caused fatal injuries to the two pilots.
The Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss. In an official statement, the service said all personnel stand with the families of the deceased officers during this difficult time. The statement also honoured the service and sacrifice of the two pilots.
According to defence officials, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet took off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam on Thursday evening. The aircraft began a routine training mission shortly after take-off. However, ground control soon noticed a communication gap.
Officials said the aircraft lost contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm. Soon after, authorities initiated standard emergency procedures. Air Force units and local authorities started search and rescue operations to trace the aircraft and its crew.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground quickly drew attention. Residents in Karbi Anglong district reported hearing a loud blast-like sound in a remote hilly area. The sound came from a location near the Nilip block around 7 pm. Some villagers later noticed smoke rising from the forested terrain.
Soon after, people shared several images on social media that allegedly showed parts of the crash site. However, officials did not immediately confirm the authenticity of those images. Rescue teams continued their operations to reach the exact crash location in the difficult terrain.
Later, authorities confirmed that the fighter jet had crashed in Karbi Anglong district. The site lies roughly 60 kilometres away from the Jorhat airbase. Rescue teams reached the location after navigating the remote hills and dense vegetation.
The Su-30MKI aircraft plays a crucial role in India’s air defence strategy. The fighter jet serves as a two-seater, long-range, multirole combat aircraft. Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi designed the platform. Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited manufactures the aircraft in India under licence for the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Air Force operates one of the largest fleets of Su-30MKI aircraft in the world. The force currently deploys more than 260 jets across several airbases in the country. These aircraft carry out a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and strategic patrols.
However, accidents involving military aircraft occasionally occur during demanding operational training. Over the past few years, a few Su-30MKI crashes have also drawn attention. For example, a similar aircraft crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district in June 2024 during a routine mission.
Earlier, another Su-30MKI aircraft crashed near the Gwalior airbase in January 2023 shortly after take-off. Investigators studied those incidents to identify technical or operational causes.
Now, defence authorities will also examine the latest crash in Assam. Investigators will analyse flight data, operational conditions, and technical factors to understand the sequence of events that led to the accident.
For now, the Indian Air Force continues to mourn the loss of two of its officers. Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar served the country as fighter pilots. Their deaths mark a solemn reminder of the risks that military personnel face during service.
