Guwahati: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong district in Assam on Thursday.
The aircraft had taken off from the IAF airbase in Jorhat on a routine training mission when it lost contact with ground control, officials said. According to the IAF, the jet was last in communication with ground authorities at around 7:42 pm before disappearing from radar.
The fighter aircraft was carrying two pilots: Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, both of whom died in the crash.
The aircraft is believed to have crashed about 60 kilometres from Jorhat in the remote hills of Karbi Anglong district.
Search and rescue teams from the Indian Air Force and local authorities were subsequently dispatched to the suspected crash site in the difficult terrain.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the loss of the pilots.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief,” Singh wrote on X.
Also Read | Assam: IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI reportedly crashes in Karbi Anglong
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