Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district late last night.
The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, about 60 km from where it crashed.
The IAF confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were aboard the aircraft when the crash occurred, reports NDTV.
The two pilots were pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Air Force extended its deepest condolences, expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
The Russian-origin aircraft Su-30 MKI had lost contact with air traffic control at around 7:42pm. Authorities revealed that the aircraft crashed in a remote, hilly area, with local residents reporting hearing a loud explosion followed by a ball of fire in the sky.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the loss, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” In a post on X, Rajnath Singh honoured the bravery of the two pilots, stating that their dedication to serving the nation would always be remembered with pride.
He further added that the nation stands united with the bereaved families during this time of grief.
The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a twin-seat, long-range multirole fighter jet, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi.
The aircraft is built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF and has been in service since its induction in 1997.
This is the latest in a series of Sukhoi jet crashes, with a similar incident occurring in June 2024 in Maharashtra’s Nashik and another in January 2023 in Madhya Pradesh, both involving Su-30 fighter planes.
