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Two IAF Pilots Killed in Su-30MKI Crash During Assam Training Mission

Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed when their Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a training mission in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The IAF officially confirmed the fatalities and expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased officers. The incident involves one of the IAF's primary fighter aircraft, of which it operates a fleet of over 200.

Key Points: Su-30MKI Crash in Assam Kills Two IAF Pilots

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

Two pilots killed in Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong: IAF

Two Indian Air Force pilots, Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, died in a Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong district.

"IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. - Indian Air Force"

New Delhi, March 6

Two pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, have been killed in the Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, the Indian Air Force confirmed on Friday.

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."

Prior to the acknowledgement, they stated that a search operation was underway. "The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," IAF said on X.

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. They are searching for him from the helicopter," 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

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Terrible tragedy. Training missions are inherently risky, but it doesn't make the loss any easier. I hope the IAF conducts a thorough investigation to understand what went wrong. Thoughts are with the families and the entire Air Force community.
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Aditya G
So young, so much potential lost. These pilots are the best of us. We must ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. The government should provide the best possible support to their families now. Jai Hind.
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Priyanka N
This is the second such incident in recent times, no? While we salute the bravery, there needs to be a serious look at the maintenance and serviceability of our frontline aircraft. A respectful criticism – we owe it to our warriors to give them the safest machines.
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Vikram M
Heart-wrenching. Karbi Anglong is a difficult, hilly terrain. The search and rescue teams must be working in very tough conditions. Salute to them as well. Hope the investigation brings clarity. Eternal respect for the pilots.
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Michael C
A sobering reminder of the risks our armed forces take in peacetime. Training to defend a nation is no easy task. My condolences from overseas. The Su-30 is a formidable machine, but aviation has zero tolerance for error.

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