Training sortie turns tragic: IAF loses two pilots in Sukhoi Su-30MKI crash

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday said that two of its pilots died after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed during a training sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. The officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

The confirmation from the Air Force came a day after the aircraft lost contact with radar during a routine mission over the region. Rescue teams were sent to the area soon after the aircraft went missing.

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In a message posted on X, the IAF acknowledged the deaths of the two officers and said the force stands with their families in this difficult time.

“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.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic 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.”

Aircraft lost radar contact during routine sortie

According to defence officials, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI had been on a regular training mission when it disappeared from radar over Karbi Anglong district, around 60 kilometres from Jorhat in Assam.

The Defence Public Relations Officer earlier said that Air Force teams were immediately deployed to determine what had happened. Personnel from local authorities and other security agencies also joined the effort to locate the aircraft.

Su-30MKI remains key fighter aircraft for the IAF

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the Indian Air Force’s main combat aircraft and plays an important role in the country’s air defence capability.

There have been a few incidents involving the aircraft in the past. In August 2019, a Su-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur in Assam during a training sortie, though both pilots ejected safely.

In another incident in May 2015, a Sukhoi fighter jet went down around 36 kilometres south of the Tezpur Air Force base shortly after take-off. The pilots managed to eject before the aircraft crashed.