New Delhi (India) March 6:In Assam, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed at Inglong Ekopi Hill in the Bokajan Sub Division of the Karbi Anglong district while engaged in a routine training mission about 60 km from Jorhat Air Base.
The aircraft, which departed from Jorhat air base 47 squadron, lost radar contact at 7:42 pm yesterday. The first locals who located the position of crash to arrive at the scene, the locals of the Chokihola village of the Bokajan sub-division, recovered both the dead bodies of the pilots. 

IAF's Statement

The Air Force said the pilots were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
“The 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 Indian Air Force said.

Defence Minister's Tribute

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today lamented the Su-30 accident when Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were killed in it.
Mr Singh claimed in a social media post that the officers' bravery and heroism would be remembered through pride and gratitude. The Minister expressed condolences to the grieving families while reaffirming that the nation stands firmly with the grieving families in this moment of grief.

About the Su-30MKI

The Su-30 MKI is a long range, two-seater fighter jet from the Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi. Now it is currently constructed under license in India with state-run industrial giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) producing it for the IAF.
The Indian Air Force has more than 260 Su-30MKI jets in service. Accidents involving the aircraft in the past have occurred in Na shik district of Maharashtra in June 2023 and once after leaving the Gwalior airbase in January 2023.