IAF Su-30MKI Crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong During Training, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Duragkar Killed

A tragic accident involving a frontline fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force has claimed the lives of two pilots after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI jet crashed during a routine training sortie in Assam on March 5, 2026.

The powerful combat aircraft reportedly lost communication shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase before crashing in a remote area of Karbi Anglong district. Authorities later confirmed that both pilots onboard the jet died in the accident.

Aircraft Lost Contact Minutes After Take-Off

According to early reports, the fighter jet departed from the airbase near Jorhat in Assam during the evening as part of a scheduled training mission.

However, within minutes of the take-off, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control at approximately 7:42 PM. The sudden communication failure raised immediate concerns within the Air Force, prompting an urgent search operation.

Military teams and local authorities began scanning the forested and mountainous region of Karbi Anglong district, located nearly 60 kilometers away from the airbase.

Search Teams Locate Wreckage in Hilly Terrain

After several hours of search efforts, rescue teams located the wreckage of the crashed fighter jet in a remote hilly area. Initial reports suggested that one pilot might still be missing.

However, later confirmation from officials revealed that both crew members onboard had died in the crash.

The pilots were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, both experienced officers who were conducting a routine training sortie when the accident occurred.

The Indian Air Force has expressed deep condolences to the families of the two officers who lost their lives while serving the nation.

Su-30MKI: Backbone Fighter of India’s Combat Fleet

The crashed aircraft was a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, one of the most advanced fighter jets used by India. The aircraft was originally designed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi and is manufactured in India under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

This twin-engine, two-seat fighter jet is known for its exceptional maneuverability, long-range strike capability, and ability to carry a wide range of weapons.

The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 260 Su-30MKI aircraft, making it one of the most important aircraft in the country’s combat fleet. Each aircraft is estimated to cost over 50 million US dollars.

Previous Fighter Jet Accidents Raise Concerns

The latest crash has once again drawn attention to fighter aircraft safety. In June 2024, another Su-30MKI aircraft crashed in the Nashik district of Maharashtra during a test flight.

Similarly, a Sukhoi fighter jet had crashed shortly after take-off from the Gwalior airbase in January 2023.

While such incidents remain relatively rare considering the size of the fleet, every accident triggers detailed technical investigations.

Investigation Ordered Into Cause of Crash

The Indian Air Force is expected to launch a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators will examine factors such as mechanical failure, weather conditions, and possible technical issues in the aircraft.

Officials say the investigation will analyze flight data, maintenance records, and other operational details before concluding what led to the tragic crash.

For now, the focus remains on honoring the two pilots who lost their lives while performing their duties during a routine training mission.