IAF confirms death of two pilots in Sukhoi Su-30MKI crash, expresses condolences

New Delhi- The Indian Air Force on Friday confirmed the death of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who suffered fatal injuries after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed in Assam. The force also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the two officers.

In a post on social media platform X, the Air Force said it “acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash,” adding that all personnel of the IAF stand firmly with the bereaved families during this time of grief.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which was on a routine training sortie, crashed in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam, about 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are continuing in the area.

Earlier on Thursday, defence officials reported that the aircraft had lost radar contact while flying over Karbi Anglong district during a routine mission.

According to the Defence Public Relations Officer, the jet disappeared from radar screens during the sortie, prompting an immediate response from the Air Force and other security agencies.

“An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been deployed to ascertain the facts and verify the situation,” the PRO had said.

Search and rescue teams from the Indian Air Force, along with personnel from the local administration and other security agencies, were mobilised to locate the aircraft and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officials earlier said that more details regarding the aircraft’s last known position and the number of personnel on board were being verified.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the IAF’s frontline multi-role combat aircraft and plays a vital role in India’s overall air defence capabilities.

Similar incidents involving the aircraft have occurred in the past. In August 2019, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur during a routine training mission, though both pilots ejected safely and were later rescued.

Earlier, in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI crashed about 36 km south of the Tezpur Air Force Station shortly after take-off, with both pilots successfully ejecting before the crash.

With inputs from IANS