Two Air Force pilots killed in Sukhoi Su-30 crash in Assam

Fighter jet lost contact with Jorhat airbase minutes after take-off before crashing in remote hills

March 6, 2026

Aircraft on routine training sortie crashes in Karbi Anglong district

IAF fighter jet on training mission crashes in Karbi Anglong district after losing contact with Jorhat airbase

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Wednesday night during a routine training mission. The Air Force identified the pilots as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

“All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Air Force said in a message posted on X.

Aircraft lost contact shortly after take-off

According to officials, the Su-30 MKI fighter jet had taken off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam but soon went missing. Communication with the aircraft was reportedly lost at around 7:42 pm.

The crash site was later located in a remote hilly area of Karbi Anglong district, roughly 60 km from the airbase.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion from the hills before spotting a large ball of fire, indicating the impact of the crash.

Rescue teams were subsequently deployed to the area to locate the wreckage and recover the bodies of the pilots.

Rajnath Singh expresses grief

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two IAF officers.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of two brave Indian Air Force pilots in the tragic crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude,” Singh said in a post on X.

He added that the nation stands firmly with the families of the pilots during this difficult time.

Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets

The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a twin-engine, two-seat, long-range multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.

In India, the aircraft is produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force.

The fighter jet was first inducted into the IAF in 1997, and the Air Force currently operates over 260 Su-30 MKI aircraft, making it the backbone of India’s combat fleet.

However, there have been a few accidents involving the aircraft in recent years. A Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra, in June 2024, while another Su-30 crashed near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh in January 2023 shortly after take-off.