An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, which disappeared from radar during training in the Karbi Anglong area of ​​Assam, has crashed. Both pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, died in the accident.

The Air Force confirmed the crash at 1:09 am on Thursday. Another X-post at 9:14 am on Friday informed of the deaths of both pilots. According to the Army, a search operation is underway. The fighter jet was on a routine flight or mission when it lost contact with ground control.

According to the Air Force, after losing radar contact, the Air Force immediately issued an alert and dispatched an IAF team to Assam to investigate the incident. The exact location of the aircraft and the cause of the loss of contact are currently being ascertained.

The Sukhoi is a multirole fighter jet.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is considered one of the Indian Air Force's most advanced and powerful fighter aircraft. It is a twin-engine multirole fighter jet used for critical missions such as air defense, long-range strike, and surveillance.

SU-30MKI crashes in India 8 times in 12 years

1. June 4, 2024 - Nashik, Maharashtra

An Indian Air Force SU-30MKI jet was on a training flight. A technical malfunction occurred during the flight and crashed into a field near Nashik. Both pilots ejected in time and survived.

2. January 28, 2023 - Madhya Pradesh

Two fighter jets, a SU-30MKI and a Mirage-2000, flying on a training mission from Gwalior, collided mid-air. Both pilots of the SU-30MKI aircraft escaped unhurt, but the pilot of the Mirage-2000 was killed.

3. August 8, 2019 - Tezpur, Assam

The aircraft developed a technical problem shortly after taking off from Tezpur Air Base. The pilots ejected from the aircraft. Both survived safely.

4. June 27, 2018 - Nashik, Maharashtra

Test pilots from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were conducting a test flight of the SU-30MKI. The aircraft crashed. Both pilots ejected in time and remained safe.

5. May 23, 2017 - Arunachal Pradesh border area

The SU-30MKI lost contact after taking off from Tezpur Air Base. The wreckage of the aircraft was later found in the mountainous region of Arunachal Pradesh. Both pilots died in the accident.

6. March 15, 2017 - Barmer, Rajasthan

The aircraft crashed during a training mission. Both pilots ejected safely. Three people on the ground were injured in the accident.

7. October 14, 2014 - Pune, Maharashtra

A SU-30MKI crashed during a training flight near Pune. Both pilots ejected in time and remained safe.

8. May 19, 2015 - Tezpur, Assam

The aircraft took off from Tezpur Air Base but developed a technical snag shortly after takeoff. The pilots ejected and escaped unhurt.