The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in the crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The tragic incident occurred during a routine training mission in the Karbi Anglong area of Assam, around 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are currently ongoing in the region to locate the crashed aircraft.
The IAF expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased officers. The Su-30MKI fighter jet had lost radar contact during a sortie over Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, leading to an immediate response from the Air Force and other security agencies. The aircraft, a key component of India’s air defense capability, is being searched for as more details about the incident are being gathered.
Officials mentioned that incidents involving Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft have occurred previously. In August 2019, an IAF Sukhoi-30MKI crashed during a training mission in Assam, with both pilots ejecting safely. Similarly, in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, but the pilots ejected safely. The IAF continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent crash as search and rescue efforts persist.
