IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashes minutes after takeoff, massive search operation launched

Guwahati (The Uttam Hindu): An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Assam. Both pilots on board the fighter jet lost their lives in the incident, the Indian Air Force said.

The Indian Air Force posted on social media platform 'X' on Friday morning, "The Air Force mourns the passing away of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duraagkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Sukhoi-30 crash. All Air Force personnel express their deepest condolences and stand firmly with their families in this hour of grief."

A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet was reported missing in Assam on Thursday. Initial reports indicated that the aircraft was flying over a mountainous area in the Karbi Anglong district when it suddenly lost communication with ground control.

According to the Defense Public Relations Officer (PRO), the fighter jet disappeared from radar during a routine mission. Air Force teams were dispatched to investigate and verify the facts. The area where radar contact was lost is mostly densely forested and mountainous. The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash the next day.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI is one of the frontline multi-role fighter jets of the Indian Air Force and is an essential part of India's overall air defence capability.

However, incidents involving the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft have occurred before. In August 2019, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed into a paddy field near Tezpur in Assam during a routine training mission. Both pilots ejected safely and were later rescued.

Earlier in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, about 36 km south of the Tezpur Air Force Base, with both pilots ejecting safely before the crash.