Assam, Mar 06 (V7N) – An Indian Air Force fighter jet Sukhoi-30 MKI crashed in India’s northeastern state of Assam, killing two pilots, officials confirmed.

The deceased officers have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purbesh Durgakar.

According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine training mission when it crashed shortly after taking off from the Jorhat Air Force Station.

Officials said communication with the aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm on Thursday. Later, the wreckage of the fighter jet was recovered in the Karbi Anglong district, located about 60 kilometers from the takeoff point.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. In a message on the social media platform X, he described the crash as “tragic” and paid tribute to the pilots.

“Their courage and service to the country will always be remembered with pride and gratitude by the nation. The entire nation stands with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief,” he said.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI is a powerful two-seat multirole fighter jet originally designed by Russia. The aircraft is currently manufactured in India under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Earlier incidents involving the same aircraft type have also occurred. In June 2024, a Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Nashik, while another Sukhoi-30 crashed in January of the previous year after taking off from the Gwalior Airbase.

Currently, the Indian Air Force operates more than 260 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, making it one of the most important aircraft in the country’s air combat fleet.

END/SMA/AJ