IAF Su-30MKI fighter jet crashes in Assam, both pilots killed
The IAF released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. "All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the statement read.
ATT Desk Report 
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on Friday evening during a training mission, resulting in the tragic deaths of both pilots on board, the Indian Air Force officially confirmed.
The IAF released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. "All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the statement read.
The aircraft, operating from Jorhat air base approximately 60 kilometers from the crash site, lost radar contact at 7:42 pm on Thursday while flying over Karbi Anglong, according to Defence PRO Mahender Rawat. Search operations were immediately launched and are currently underway to locate the wreckage and secure the crash site.
Aircraft Background
The Su-30MKI is a 4+ generation twin-seat multirole fighter, a specialized modification of the Su-30MK developed specifically for the Indian market. Russia signed the initial contract for 40 Su-30K/MK aircraft with India in late 1996, establishing a partnership that has since seen over 250 of these fighters become the backbone of the IAF's combat fleet.
The aircraft is powered by AL-31FP engines, enabling speeds up to 2,125 km/h. It is armed with a GSh-301 cannon carrying 150 rounds and can carry up to 8,000 kg of combat load across 12 pylons, including R-27 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, Kh-29 and Kh-25 guided missiles, KAB-500 and KAB-1500 precision-guided bombs.
Investigation and Response
According to various Indian media reports, search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate the aircraft and its crew. The crash underscores persistent challenges in military aviation safety and reinforces the critical importance of rigorous training protocols and maintenance standards.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident, with investigators expected to examine maintenance records, flight data recorders, and pilot training logs in the coming days. The incident marks a somber reminder of the risks faced by military aviators during routine operational training.
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