2 IAF Pilots Killed After Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes in Assam

The two officers who perished are said to be Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Indian Air Force claimed that the two pilots sustained mortal wounds during the crash.

Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss in an official statement. “The IAF registers condolences for Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar who died in the Su-30 crash. “We acknowledge the tragic loss of lives — and we provide support and comfort by commending the actions of all personnel in the IAF at this time of grief,” said the statement.  

Aircraft Lost Contact Shortly After Take-off

The jet, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, was scheduled to take off last evening from the Jorhat Airbase in Assam on a daily training flight. However, contact was lost with ground control at 7:42 p.m. causing immediate concern.

Shortly after the aircraft was reported as overdue, the IAF opened a search and rescue mission to track the jet and its crew.

Crash Reported in Karbi Anglong

The plane finally crashed in a corner of Karbi Anglong district, some 60 kilometres from Jorhat. The local residents heard a loud explosion around 7 PM near a hilly area and some proximity to Nilip block.

According to a eyewitness who was presented with data, the airplane was seen descending before the blast.

“We heard the sound of a loud noise and a bang. But police from the nearby station now showed up and helicopters are searching the area,” the resident said. 

Social media shared some unverified images from the believed crash area soon after.

About the Sukhoi Su-30MKI

The Su-30MKI, a long-range (twin-seated) multirole fighter jet, was developed and produced in India by the Russian company’s Sukhoi, which is the primary manufacturer of the SABK and is licensed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., the Indian country’s main commercial aerospace agency. 

It still stands as one of the most vital aircraft in the IAF’s fighter fleet, with more than 260 jets in service.

Yet the airline has suffered a handful of crashes in recent years, with Nashik in June 2024 and Gwalior in January 2023.

In honour of the two men who have all died in the course of working, the Indian Air Force will launch an in-depth investigation on the cause of the crash.