IAF Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes in Assam; Two Pilots Killed During Training Sortie

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft that went off radar during a training exercise in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam has crashed, killing both pilots on board. The deceased pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash around 1 am on March 6. Later, at around 9:15 am, another post on X confirmed the death of both pilots.

In a post on X, the Indian Air Force wrote, “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.”

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is considered one of the most advanced and powerful fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s fleet. It is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet used for air defence, long-range strike missions and surveillance operations. Notably, this is the eighth crash involving a Sukhoi fighter jet in the past 12 years.

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