Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) tragically lost their lives in a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crash in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The IAF expressed their condolences, emphasizing their solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
The incident occurred during a training mission, shortly after the aircraft took off from Jorhat airbase, approximately 60 km from the crash site. Communication with the jet was lost at 7:42 PM, leading to concerns over its safety. Witnesses in the region reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a sighting of flames, indicating a significant crash impact in the remote hilly area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed deep sorrow over the incident, commemorating the pilots’ bravery and service, and reaffirming national support for their families in this period of mourning. The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a Russian-designed, two-seater long-range fighter jet, which has been operational within the IAF since its induction in 1997, with over 260 units currently in service. This tragedy follows previous incidents involving Sukhoi aircraft, including a crash in Nashik in June 2024 and another in Gwalior in January 2023.
