Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat airbase before losing contact with ground control.
Communication Lost Shortly After Takeoff
According to officials, communication with the Russian-origin fighter jet was lost around 7:42 pm. The aircraft had gone missing shortly after departing from Jorhat airbase, located about 60 km from the crash site. The jet reportedly crashed in a remote hilly region of Karbi Anglong.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion from the hills and saw a ball of fire shortly afterward.
Pilots Identified, IAF Expresses Condolences
The Indian Air Force confirmed that the deceased pilots were Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Air Force expressed deep condolences to the families of the officers and assured support during this difficult time.
Defence Minister Reacts To Crash
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the two pilots. He stated that their courage and service to the nation would always be remembered with pride and gratitude.
About The Sukhoi Su-30MKI
The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, long-range fighter jet originally developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and manufactured in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). First inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1997, the aircraft remains one of the backbone platforms of India’s air combat fleet, with more than 260 jets currently in service.
The latest incident adds to a series of Sukhoi crashes reported in recent years, including accidents in Maharashtra’s Nashik in 2024 and near Gwalior in 2023.
