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 following the tragic incident on March 6, 2026.
During a routine training mission, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, approximately 60 kilometers from Jorhat airbase, where it had taken off. Communication with the aircraft was lost at around 7:42 PM, leading to immediate search and rescue operations.
Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound near the crash site, raising concerns about the aircraft’s status. The IAF has a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI jets, which are known for their capabilities as multirole long-range fighter jets developed by Sukhoi.
The aircraft was last in contact just minutes before the crash, and the loss of the two pilots has deeply affected the IAF community. “All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the IAF added.
This incident marks another tragic event in the history of the Su-30MKI, which has seen previous accidents, including crashes in Nashik in June 2024 and Gwalior in January 2023. The aircraft is built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact cause of the crash, and investigations are expected to follow to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
