Rajnath Singh Mourns IAF Pilots Killed in Assam Su-30 Crash

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sadness over the death of two Indian Air Force pilots in a Su-30MKI crash in Assam. The aircraft was on a training mission when it lost radar contact shortly after takeoff from Jorhat. The IAF confirmed the fatal injuries to Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. Search and rescue operations were immediately initiated following the incident.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Condoles Su-30 Crash, 2 Pilots Killed

  • Two IAF pilots killed in crash
  • Su-30MKI on training mission
  • Aircraft lost contact near Jorhat
  • Search and rescue ops initiated
2 min read

'Deeply saddened': Rajnath Singh condoles death of 2 pilots in Assam Su-30 crash

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expresses grief over the deaths of two IAF pilots in an Su-30MKI crash during a training mission in Assam.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar - Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, March 6

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday shared his condolences with the families of two pilots killed in the IAF Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.

Sharing his grief over their loss, he wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.

Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were killed in the Su-30MKI crash, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, they acknowledged the deaths on X, stating, "IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief."

The IAF had stated that the Su-30MKI was on a training mission when they crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, which is approx 60 km from Jorhat.

The aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam.

"An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated," said IAF.

Speaking to ANI, a local stated that they saw the plane coming down in the evening yesterday." We heard a loud noise and an explosion... The police from the Chowki Wala police station are here," he said.

The Su-30MKI is a two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The IAF has a fleet of over 200 Su-30MKIs.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So tragic. They were so young. As a mother, my heart goes out to their parents and loved ones. The IAF must conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. We cannot afford to lose our bravehearts to technical failures.
A
Aman W
Salute to the courage of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar. They are true heroes. The government must ensure the families receive all possible support, not just condolences. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
A terrible loss. The Su-30 is a mainstay of our air force. While accidents happen in aviation, especially with complex fighter jets, a pattern needs to be looked at. My thoughts are with the families in Assam and elsewhere.
K
Karthik V
These pilots train in the most demanding conditions to protect our skies. Their sacrifice reminds us of the price of our peace. Bharat Mata ki Jai. May their souls attain Sadgati.
N
Nikhil C
A respectful suggestion: While condolences are important, we need to focus more on indigenisation and maintenance. Relying on foreign platforms comes with challenges. Let's accelerate the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA programs to have more control over our fleet's safety and upgrades.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50