Indian Air Force jet crashes in Assam, killing two pilots

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI  – (Web Desk) – Two pilots died when an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday. The jet went missing shortly after taking off from Jorhat in the evening, Indian media reported on Friday.

The pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were on a training mission when the crash happened. Both officers suffered fatal injuries.

The IAF confirmed the loss and expressed deep condolences to the families. “All IAF personnel stand with the families during this difficult time,” the statement said.

The Su-30MKI crashed about 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations were ongoing in the area. Officials said the aircraft lost radar contact soon after takeoff.

It was reported that the communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm. “An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated,” IAF had 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.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026

Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built under licence by HAL for the Indian air force (IAF).

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In a similar incident, a Sukhoi fighter plane earlier in June 2024 crashed in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Another Sukhoi-30 jet had crashed in January 2023, after taking off from the Gwalior airbase.