Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of Indian Air Force officers Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in the crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. Gandhi took to Facebook to convey his condolences, paying tribute to the deceased officers and offering support to their families. The Indian Air Force also confirmed the loss of the officers and extended sincere condolences to their families.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, on a routine training mission, crashed in the Karbi Anglong area of Assam, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are currently ongoing in the region to locate the aircraft. The Defence Public Relations Officer stated that the fighter aircraft went missing from radar contact during what was described as a routine mission, leading to an immediate response from the Air Force and other security agencies.
The Sukhoi-30MKI is a key component of India’s air defense capability and incidents involving these aircraft have occurred in the past. In August 2019, an IAF Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in Assam during a routine training mission, with both pilots ejecting safely. Similarly, in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, with both pilots ejecting safely before the crash occurred.
