India’s military community is mourning the loss of two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots following a tragic crash of a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft during a training mission in Assam. The incident occurred on Thursday evening after the aircraft took off from Jorhat Air Force Station and subsequently went missing when it lost contact with ground control.
Initial reports indicate that the last communication from the Su-30MKI was received around 7:42 PM. After recognizing the situation, IAF authorities activated emergency protocols, prompting search and rescue operations in the area surrounding the aircraft’s last known position.
The aircraft was later discovered to have crashed in a hilly region of Karbi Anglong, located roughly 60 kilometers from Jorhat. In the wake of the crash, rescue teams and security personnel were promptly deployed to the site to locate the aircraft and its crew.
The IAF confirmed the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who both succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The official statement from the Indian Air Force expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the statement read.
At the time of the incident, the Su-30MKI was engaged in routine training exercises, and authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the crash. Search and recovery operations in the vicinity continue as the IAF works to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
