Two Indian Air Force pilots Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were killed after their Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, around 60 km from Jorhat. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday evening but lost radar contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm before going down in a remote, forested hill region.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed that both pilots sustained fatal injuries and expressed condolences to their families. Search and rescue teams, along with local residents and police, were involved in locating the wreckage in the difficult terrain, while authorities are expected to launch an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
IAF Confirms Two Pilots Killed In Crash
The Indian Air Force confirmed the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar after the twin-seater Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a training sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat before losing radar contact shortly afterward, triggering concern among officials and prompting immediate search and rescue operations.
According to the IAF, the aircraft was reported “overdue” after it failed to return or maintain communication at its expected time. In a statement, the force said: “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.”
Residents in the surrounding villages reported hearing a powerful explosion around the time of the crash, which echoed across the hills and alerted authorities to a possible aviation incident. The crash occurred in a remote area of Karbi Anglong known for its rugged hills and dense forest cover, making access challenging for rescue teams and delaying confirmation of details in the immediate aftermath.
Rugged Terrain Slows Post-Crash Search Efforts
Local residents played a crucial role in the initial hours after the crash, with many reporting that they heard a loud blast followed by smoke rising from the hills. Some villagers used torches and mobile phone lights while helping police and rescue teams navigate the dark and forested terrain to reach the suspected crash site. According to eyewitness accounts shared with ANI, people in nearby settlements heard the sound of a large explosion and later saw helicopters and security personnel conducting aerial searches.
A resident told reporters that police from the Chowki Wala station and other officials had begun combing the area while helicopters scanned the hills, though the difficult terrain slowed the operation. The wreckage was believed to be located in a forested hill region under the Nilip block area of Karbi Anglong, a location that is sparsely populated and far from major roads or settlements. Because of these geographical challenges, search and rescue teams had to rely on both aerial surveillance and ground teams to locate the crash site and assess the situation.
About The Su-30MKI Fleet And Previous Incidents
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Su-30MKI a twin-seat, long-range multirole fighter jet developed by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi and produced in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Considered one of the Indian Air Force’s most capable frontline combat aircraft, the Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the country’s fighter fleet, with more than 260 jets currently in service.
The aircraft is designed for air superiority missions as well as precision ground strikes and long-range operations. However, like many advanced fighter aircraft that undergo intensive operational use and training, the fleet has experienced occasional accidents over the years. Previous Su-30 crashes have been reported in different parts of the country, including incidents in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in recent years, prompting detailed investigations and safety reviews after each occurrence.
Following the latest crash in Assam, aviation and defence authorities are expected to conduct a standard inquiry to determine whether technical issues, weather conditions, or other factors may have contributed to the accident. Such investigations typically examine flight data, aircraft systems, and operational conditions to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar serve as a solemn reminder that the risks faced by armed forces personnel are not limited to combat situations. Even routine training missions demand extraordinary skill, courage, and commitment.
While the nation mourns the loss of these two officers, it is equally important to ensure that every such tragedy leads to reflection, learning, and stronger safety systems within defence aviation. Transparent investigations, continued investment in aircraft maintenance and pilot safety, and meaningful support for the families of fallen personnel are essential steps toward honouring their sacrifice.
