Two IAF Pilots Killed as Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training mission, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion at the time of the crash.

According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat in Assam and later lost radar contact.

Following the crash, police personnel and Air Force Police reached the area and began search operations.

What did eyewitnesses say about the IAF Su-30MKI crash near Jorhat?

Locals were seen using torches and lights to help locate the aircraft and its crew at the crash site, which is located roughly 60 km from Jorhat.

Speaking to ANI, a local resident said they witnessed the aircraft coming down on Thursday evening.

"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... There is no trace of the pilot. Till now, nothing has been found," he said.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condoled the deaths of the two Indian Air Force pilots.

In a post on Facebook, Gandhi described the incident as saddening and painful and paid tribute to the deceased personnel.

"The news of the martyrdom of Indian Air Force soldiers Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in a plane crash is deeply saddening and painful. I pay my heartfelt tribute to these brave sons of India and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The entire nation stands with them in this hour of grief," Rahul Gandhi wrote on 'X'.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the loss of the two pilots.

"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," he wrote on X.

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

(With inputs from ANI)