Two IAF Pilots Killed After Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes In Assam
Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam on Thursday night. The accident took place in the Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission.
The pilots who lost their lives were Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Indian Air Force confirmed their deaths and expressed condolences to their families.
The fighter jet had taken off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam. According to officials, the aircraft lost communication with ground control at around 7:42 pm. Shortly after that, the jet went missing from radar.
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Later, the wreckage of the aircraft was found in a remote hilly area of the Karbi Anglong district. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a large ball of fire coming from the hills.
Rescue teams and security personnel rushed to the crash site to carry out search and recovery operations.
The Indian Air Force said it stands with the families of the two pilots during this difficult time. “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families,” the Air Force said in a statement.
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the tragic incident. He said the nation will always remember the courage and service of the two pilots.
Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in… https://t.co/89wpdLneYD
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 6, 2026
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, long-range fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force. The aircraft was developed by the Russian company Sukhoi and is produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The jet was first inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1997. Today, the IAF operates more than 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets.
