Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crash during a training mission in Assam. The incident occurred on March 6, 2026.
Tragic Incident In Assam
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed, “The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash.” This tragic event unfolded on March 6, 2026, when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed during a training mission in Karbi Anglong, Assam.
The aircraft took off from Jorhat airbase, and communication was lost at approximately 7:42 pm. Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound near the crash site, which is located about 60 kilometers from Jorhat.
Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated following the incident. The IAF expressed its condolences, stating, “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.” This incident marks a significant loss for the IAF, which operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI jets.
The Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Sukhoi and built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. Previous accidents involving the Su-30MKI include crashes in Nashik in June 2024 and Gwalior in January 2023, raising concerns about the safety of this aircraft model.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the IAF has stated, “An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash, but the loss of these two pilots has deeply affected the IAF community and their families.
