Assam: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives after a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission, the Air Force confirmed on Friday.
The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. Their deaths were confirmed a day after the aircraft went missing during a routine sortie.
According to officials, the Russian-origin fighter jet had taken off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam on Thursday as part of a scheduled training exercise. However, it lost contact with ground control shortly after departure and disappeared from radar, prompting an immediate search operation.
Rescue teams later located the wreckage of the aircraft in a remote area of Karbi Anglong district. Authorities confirmed that both pilots on board had died in the crash.
The Su-30MKI is one of the Indian Air Force’s primary frontline fighter jets and is widely used for combat operations as well as training missions. The aircraft involved in the incident was conducting a routine flight when the accident occurred.
Following the crash, the IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the incident. Investigators will examine technical data, flight records and other evidence to understand what led to the accident.
The deaths of the two pilots have drawn condolences from defence officials and colleagues, who described the loss as a tragedy for the Air Force. Further details about the crash are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
