Assam: An IAF Su-30MKI crash in Assam has claimed the lives of two Indian Air Force pilots during a training mission. The aircraft went down in the Karbi Anglong district, about 60 km from Jorhat, according to an official update from the Indian Air Force.
The Assam Su-30MKI crash occurred after the fighter jet lost contact during the mission, triggering a search and rescue operation. Later, the Indian Air Force confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The incident has sparked nationwide condolences as the country mourns the loss of two brave air warriors.
Details of Assam Su-30MKI Crash
The Indian Air Force (IAF) first reported that a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft was overdue during a routine training mission.
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According to the official statement:
- The aircraft took off from Jorhat Air Base in Assam.
- It lost contact with ground control at around 7:42 PM.
- Soon after communication was lost, search and rescue operations were launched.
Later, the IAF confirmed that the aircraft crashed in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam, a hilly area located roughly 60 kilometres from Jorhat.
Assam Su-30MKI Crash: Pilots Who Lost Their Lives
The Indian Air Force confirmed the death of two pilots who were onboard the aircraft.
The pilots were:
- Squadron Leader Anuj
- Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar
In its official statement, the IAF said:
“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 entire defence community and citizens across India have expressed condolences to the families of the two officers.
Location of the Crash
The crash occurred in Karbi Anglong district, a region in Assam known for its dense forests and hilly terrain.
Key details about the location:
- Around 60 km from Jorhat city
- Difficult terrain which can make rescue operations challenging
- Area frequently used for military training flights
Search teams from the Indian Air Force and local authorities were deployed to locate the wreckage and assess the situation.
About the Su-30MKI Fighter Jet
The Su-30MKI is one of the most powerful fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force.
Key features include:
- Twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft
- Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and customized for India
- Capable of air superiority, ground attack, and long-range missions
- Maximum speed of around Mach 2 (over 2,100 km/h)
- Equipped with advanced radar and weapon systems
The aircraft forms a major backbone of India’s air defence fleet.
