By: The Trek News Desk
Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost their lives after a Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. The incident occurred on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
According to the IAF, the twin-seat fighter aircraft went down in a remote area of Karbi Anglong, nearly 60 kilometres from Jorhat. Rescue teams were immediately sent to the crash site following the incident, but both pilots succumbed to their injuries.
On Friday, March 6, the Air Force confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were the pilots on board the aircraft. In an official statement shared on social media, the IAF expressed deep grief over the loss of the two officers and extended condolences to their families, assuring that the force stands firmly with them during this difficult time.
The Su-30MKI is a long-range, multi-role fighter aircraft originally developed by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi. In India, the aircraft is produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of more than 260 Su-30MKI aircraft, which constitute a key component of its combat strength.
Similar incidents involving Sukhoi fighter jets have been reported in recent years. In June 2024, a Sukhoi aircraft crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. In January 2023, another Su-30 jet crashed shortly after take-off from the Gwalior Airbase.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the latest crash.
Source: News Agencies
