IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI Fighter Jet Crashes During Training Mission in Assam

A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet from the Indian Air Force crashed in Assam during a training mission, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. The aircraft lost contact shortly after takeoff, and efforts are ongoing to locate the missing jet and its pilots. Despite challenging weather conditions, specialized teams are deployed to search the area. The IAF is expected to conduct an inquiry to determine the cause of the accident, which may involve technical issues or human error. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 09:12 IST

Sukhoi-30 MKI Fighter Jet Accident in Assam

On Thursday evening, a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet from the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam while on a training mission. The IAF has initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation to locate the missing aircraft and its two pilots.

Currently, there is no information available regarding the pilots. According to a brief statement from the IAF, the Sukhoi-30 MKI went down approximately 60 kilometers from Jorhat in the Karbi Anglong area. The search efforts are ongoing, and officials previously reported that the aircraft lost contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat Airport.

Details of the Incident

Officials indicated that communication with the Russian-made aircraft was lost at 7:42 PM. The Sukhoi-30 MKI is a two-seat, long-range fighter jet developed by the Russian manufacturer Sukhoi.

Currently, HAL manufactures these jets under license in India, and the IAF operates over 260 of them. Notably, a Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra, in June 2024, and another incident occurred in January 2023 shortly after takeoff from Gwalior Air Force Station.

Current Situation: Intensified Search Operation

The IAF has reported that despite challenging weather conditions and difficult mountainous terrain, the search operation is ongoing. Specialized teams have been deployed into the forested areas, and aerial surveillance is being conducted to locate debris and any ejection signals from the pilots. As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the status of the pilots. The IAF is expected to order a court of inquiry to investigate the causes of the accident, examining factors such as technical failure or human error.