A twin-seater Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Wednesday evening during a routine training sortie, the IAF confirmed late on March 5.
The aircraft, which took off from Jorhat Air Force Station in eastern Assam, lost radar contact and communication at approximately 7:42 p.m. local time.
It went down roughly 60 kilometres from the base, in the hilly, densely forested terrain of Karbi Anglong district, near the Chokihola area.
The jet was operating under the call sign SB-175.
Search and rescue (SAR) operations were launched immediately and are ongoing, involving IAF teams and local civil authorities.
The challenging topography, characterised by dense forest cover and uneven hills, is expected to slow the pace at which ground teams reach the site.
The IAF has not yet released any official information on the status of the two pilots on board.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.
No further details on possible technical or human factors have been disclosed.
The Su-30MKI, a Russian-origin multirole fighter aircraft manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), forms the backbone of the IAF’s frontline fighter fleet with more than 260 aircraft currently in service.
The platform is known for its long-range strike, air superiority, and deep-penetration capabilities.
This incident comes at a time when the IAF continues to maintain a high operational tempo amid evolving regional security challenges.
The Sukhoi fleet has previously experienced isolated accidents, all of which were thoroughly investigated.
Further updates on the recovery of the aircraft wreckage and the aircrew are awaited.
The IAF has appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely on official channels for confirmed developments.
The thoughts and prayers of the entire nation remain with the aircrew and their families during this difficult time.
About The Author
