Su 30 crash

Tragic Incident in Assam

“The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash,” stated the Indian Air Force in a somber announcement following the incident.

The crash of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet occurred during a training mission in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on March 6, 2026. The aircraft lost contact with ground control at approximately 7:42 PM after taking off from Jorhat airbase, which is about 60 kilometers from the crash site.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound near the crash site, indicating the severity of the incident. Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated to locate the aircraft and assess the situation.

The Sukhoi 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 Indian Air Force. The IAF operates a fleet of more than 260 of these jets, which have been integral to its air operations.

Previous accidents involving the Su-30MKI have raised concerns, with notable crashes occurring in Nashik district in June 2024 and at Gwalior airbase in January 2023. These incidents have prompted discussions about the safety and operational protocols surrounding the aircraft.

In light of this tragedy, the Indian Air Force 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 sentiment reflects the deep impact of the loss on the IAF community.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact cause of the crash, and investigations are likely to follow to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The IAF has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.