A tragic accident involving the Indian Air Force has claimed the lives of two fighter pilots after a Sukhoi-30MKI jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. The incident occurred near Chokihola, a remote area in the northeastern state, sending shockwaves through the defence community.
The Indian Air Force confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar lost their lives in the crash. Both officers were flying the twin-seat fighter aircraft as part of a routine training sortie when the accident took place.
According to officials, the Sukhoi-30MKI had taken off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam on Thursday evening. Everything appeared normal initially, but communication with the aircraft was suddenly lost at around 7:42 pm. After repeated attempts to establish contact failed, the Air Force immediately launched a search operation to trace the jet.
Hours later, rescue teams located the wreckage of the aircraft roughly 60 kilometres south of Jorhat in the forested region of Karbi Anglong district. The crash resulted in fatal injuries to both pilots, the Air Force confirmed early Friday morning.
The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers and extended condolences to their families. The service described the incident as a tragic loss for the entire Air Force community and honoured the pilots for their dedication and service to the nation.
Authorities have now ordered a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted by the Air Force to examine various aspects of the incident, including possible technical malfunction, weather conditions, and operational factors during the training mission.
The Sukhoi-30MKI is one of the most advanced and powerful fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet. Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi design bureau, the aircraft is a two-seat, multi-role, long-range fighter jet capable of carrying out a wide range of combat missions. In India, the aircraft is produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
With its powerful engines, advanced avionics, and exceptional maneuverability, the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of India’s air defence capability. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of more than 260 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, making it the largest operator of the aircraft type.
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Despite its strong operational record, the aircraft has been involved in a few accidents over the years. In June 2024, a Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district during a test flight. Earlier, in January 2023, another Sukhoi-30 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the Gwalior airbase.
The loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar has deeply saddened many within the defence fraternity. Fighter pilots routinely operate in high-risk environments, and even routine training missions require exceptional skill and courage.
As the investigation continues, the nation remembers the bravery and commitment of the two Air Force officers who lost their lives while serving the country.