Daijiworld Media Network - Assam

Assam, Mar 6: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday confirmed that two pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Karbi Anglong district of Assam during a routine training mission.

In an official statement, the IAF identified the deceased pilots as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

Earlier, the Air Force had reported that the fighter aircraft went down in a hilly area of Karbi Anglong, around 60 km from the Jorhat Airbase, shortly after losing radar contact.

“The Su-30MKI which was on a training mission crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway,” the IAF said in a statement.

According to officials, the aircraft took off from Jorhat on Thursday evening and the last communication with ground control was recorded at around 7.42 pm.

Inducted into the Air Force in the early 2000s, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is considered one of the most capable frontline combat aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of more than 200 such fighter jets.