Fatal Sukhoi fighter jet crash kills two Indian Air Force pilots
Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in the hill country of the state of Assam. The aircraft lost contact shortly after take-off during a training mission before being found in a remote area. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which crashed in Karbi Anglong district, Assam. The two pilots were identified as Anuj and Purvesh Duragkar. In a statement released on X, the IAF expressed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. ‘All personnel of the Indian Air Force extend sincere condolences and stand in solidarity with the families in their time of grief,’ the IAF said on Friday (6 March 2026).
“According to the IAF, the fighter jet was on a training mission when it took off from Jorhat Air Base in Assam, about 60 kilometres from the crash site. The base is roughly 60 kilometres from the crash location. It was reported that the aircraft disappeared from radar soon after take-off. Military officials said communications with the Russian-built aircraft were severed at 19:42 local time. The aircraft then crashed in the remote hills of Karbi Anglong district. Local residents said they heard a loud explosion from the direction of a hill before seeing a fireball at the site.”
“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply saddened by the accident, calling it a tragic incident. ‘The bravery and dedication of these airmen to the nation will be remembered with pride and gratitude,’ Singh wrote on X. He added that the country stands with the families of the victims in their period of mourning.”
“NDTV reported that the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a long-range two-seat fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi. In India, the aircraft is produced under licence by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force. The fighter first entered service with the Indian Air Force in 1997 and remains one of the backbone elements of the country’s air power. The IAF currently operates more than 260 Su-30MKIs.”
“Admittedly, this latest incident adds to a string of Sukhoi-related crashes involving India in recent years. In June 2024, a Sukhoi crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra, while in January 2023 another Su-30 crashed after take-off from Gwalior air base in Madhya Pradesh.”