The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the death of two pilots after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam during a routine training mission. The deceased officers have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the Air Force said the two pilots suffered fatal injuries in the accident. The IAF also conveyed its condolences to their families.
“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 families during this difficult time,” the statement read.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft reportedly crashed in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam, about 60 km from Jorhat. Search and recovery operations are currently underway in the area.
According to defence officials, the fighter jet had earlier lost radar contact while flying over Karbi Anglong district during a routine sortie on Thursday. Following the loss of contact, the Air Force launched immediate efforts to locate the aircraft.
An official from the Defence Public Relations Office said Air Force teams were deployed quickly to determine the situation and gather information about the incident.
Search and rescue teams from the IAF, along with local administration and other security agencies, were mobilised to trace the aircraft and assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the Indian Air Force’s primary multi-role fighter jets and plays a key role in India’s air defence capabilities.
Similar incidents involving the aircraft have occurred previously. In August 2019, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed near Tezpur in Assam during a training mission, though both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. Another crash took place in May 2015 about 36 km south of Tezpur Air Force Station, where the pilots also managed to eject before impact.
