Two IAF Pilots Killed in Sukhoi Su-30 Crash in Assam
Two IAF Pilots Killed in Sukhoi Su-30 Crash in Assam
In Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, a routine training flight turned fatal when a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet went down last night, leading to the loss of both pilots aboard. The aircraft, which had taken off from Jorhat airbase, was on a standard training sortie when it lost contact with radar shortly after departure.
The pilots were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed its condolences on X, stating: “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute, writing: “Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Fit Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.”
The Su-30 MKI went missing from radar at around 7:42 pm. Residents in the Chokihola area of Bokajan sub-division reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a fireball in the hills. A search operation was immediately initiated, and debris from the aircraft was located in the remote terrain.
The Su-30 MKI is a two-seater, long-range multirole fighter jet, developed by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi and now produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. The aircraft has been in service since 1997, and the IAF currently operates over 260 Su-30 MKI jets.
IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026
Previous incidents include a crash in Nashik, Maharashtra in June 2024, and another in January 2023 near Gwalior airbase, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the risks inherent even during routine training.
