In a somber moment for the nation, two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed late Thursday night when their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
The fallen officers have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.
Details of the Incident
The aircraft departed from the Jorhat Air Force Station for a scheduled training sortie. According to officials, ground control lost contact with the jet at approximately 7:42 pm.
The wreckage was later located in a rugged, remote hilly region of Karbi Anglong, about 60 kilometers from the airbase. Local villagers described a harrowing scene, reporting a massive explosion followed by a visible fireball rising from the hills.
Official Response and Tributes
The IAF took to social media to confirm the tragedy and offer support to the grieving families:
“All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his condolences, honoring the pilots’ dedication. He described the incident as a “tragic loss for the nation” and noted that their “courage and service… will always be remembered with pride and gratitude.”
The Su-30 MKI serves as the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. Here are a few key facts about the aircraft:
Type: Twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter.
Origin: Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi; manufactured under license in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
History: First inducted into the IAF in 1997.
Role: Known for its advanced maneuverability and multi-mission capabilities.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to follow standard military protocols.
Leave a comment