Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in **Karbi Anglong district of Assam during a training mission on Thursday night.
The deceased officers have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Confirming the tragic incident, the Indian Air Force posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that both pilots had succumbed to their injuries. In its message, the force expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
“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,” the statement said.
Aircraft Crashed During Training Sortie
According to initial reports, the fighter jet had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam for a routine training sortie. However, contact with the aircraft was reportedly lost at around 7:42 pm.
The aircraft later crashed in a remote and hilly region of Karbi Anglong, located roughly 60 kilometres from the Jorhat airbase.
Local residents in nearby villages said they heard a loud explosion coming from the hills shortly after the aircraft went missing. Some villagers also reported seeing flames and a large fireball rising from the crash site, suggesting a powerful impact.
Rescue teams and security personnel were later deployed to the area to locate the wreckage and conduct recovery operations in the difficult terrain.
Defence Minister Expresses Grief
Reacting to the incident, Rajnath Singh, India’s Defence Minister, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers.
In a message shared on social media, Singh described the incident as a tragic loss for the nation and paid tribute to the fallen pilots.
“Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude,” he said, adding that the country stands firmly with the grieving families in this difficult time.
About the Sukhoi Su-30MKI
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi. It is considered one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet.
The aircraft is produced in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Since its induction into the IAF in 1997, the Su-30MKI has remained a key pillar of India’s air combat capability and forms a major part of the country’s frontline fighter fleet.
Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the two pilots who lost their lives while serving the nation.
