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IAF Sukhoi-30 Fighter Jet Loses Radar Contact Over Assam; Search Launched

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lost radar contact during a sortie over Assam's Karbi Anglong district, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Defence officials stated the aircraft was on a routine mission when communication was suddenly lost over the hilly terrain. Search teams from the IAF, local administration, and security agencies have been mobilized, though the dense forests and mountains pose a challenge. The incident follows previous crashes of the same aircraft type in Assam in 2019 and 2015.

Key Points: IAF Sukhoi-30 Loses Radar Contact in Assam, Search On

  • Sukhoi-30MKI lost contact during routine mission
  • Search ops launched in Karbi Anglong, Assam
  • Dense forest terrain complicates rescue
  • Past incidents of Su-30MKI crashes in Assam
  • Number of personnel on board being ascertained
2 min read

IAF Sukhoi-30 fighter jet loses radar contact in Assam; search operation launched

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact over Assam's Karbi Anglong district. Search and rescue operations are underway.

"An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been launched to ascertain the facts and verify the situation. - Defence PRO"

Guwahati, March 5

A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force lost radar contact during a sortie over Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Thursday, defence officials said.

According to the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), the fighter aircraft went missing from radar contact during what was described as a routine mission, prompting an immediate response from the Air Force and other security agencies.

"An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been launched to ascertain the facts and verify the situation," the PRO said.

Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was flying over the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong district when communication with ground control was suddenly lost.

Search and rescue teams from the Air Force, along with personnel from the local administration and other security agencies, have been mobilised to locate the aircraft and verify the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials said more details regarding the aircraft's last known position and the number of personnel on board are still being ascertained.

Sources in the defence establishment said the area where radar contact was lost consists largely of dense forests and mountainous terrain, which could make the search and rescue operations particularly challenging.

Rescue teams are coordinating closely with the local administration and other security forces to carry out the operation in the area.

The Sukhoi-30MKI is among the Indian Air Force's frontline multi-role fighter aircraft and forms a crucial component of India's overall air defence capability.

Incidents involving Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft have occurred in the past as well.

In August 2019, an IAF Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur in Assam during a routine training mission. Both pilots managed to eject safely and were later rescued.

Earlier in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft crashed around 36 km south of Tezpur Air Force base shortly after take-off, with both pilots ejecting safely before the crash occurred.

Authorities said search operations are currently underway and further information will be released once the situation becomes clearer.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is so worrying. My thoughts are with the families waiting for news. The IAF rescue teams are highly capable, but the dense forests will be a major challenge.
A
Arjun K
Another Sukhoi incident? This is concerning. While we must focus on the rescue first, there needs to be a thorough review of the maintenance and safety protocols for these aircraft. Our pilots deserve the best.
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Priya S
The article mentions past crashes where pilots ejected safely. Let's hope the ejection systems worked perfectly this time too. Our Air Force personnel are the best trained.
V
Vikram M
Salute to the search and rescue teams working in that tough terrain. The local administration and villagers can provide crucial help in such areas. Hope for a positive update soon.
K
Karthik V
This is a stark reminder of the risks our defence forces take every day, even during routine missions. We stand with the IAF. Bring our heroes home safe.

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