An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on March 5, 2026, during a routine training mission.
The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Base but lost radar contact shortly after departure. A search and rescue operation was launched in the hilly terrain, and the wreckage was later located.
Tragically, both pilots—Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar—lost their lives in the crash. The Indian Air Force has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The Sukhoi-30MKI is India’s frontline multirole fighter jet, jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. While it remains the backbone of the IAF fleet, occasional crashes highlight ongoing challenges in maintenance and operational safety.
