In a tragic incident, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after their Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission, went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, located about 60 km away from the crash site. The missing jet was reported to have lost contact with the control tower at approximately 7:42 pm, and it was later discovered to have crashed in a remote, hilly region. Residents of the area reported hearing a loud explosion followed by the sight of a fireball, suggesting a catastrophic crash.

The two pilots, identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were on board the aircraft when the crash occurred. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed deep condolences and solidarity with the families of the deceased pilots. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sorrow, highlighting the pilots' bravery and service to the nation. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured the nation that the IAF's loss would be remembered with pride.

The Su-30 MKI, a long-range, two-seater fighter jet originally developed by Russia and now built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India, has been a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force since its induction in 1997. The fleet of over 260 Su-30 MKI jets plays a crucial role in various operations, including combat and training missions. This incident adds to a series of unfortunate crashes involving Sukhoi jets, with another crash occurring in Maharashtra in June 2024 and a previous one in Madhya Pradesh in January 2023. As the IAF continues to investigate the causes behind the crash, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices faced by the armed forces. The pilots' dedication to serving the nation remains an inspiration, and their loss is deeply mourned by the IAF and the entire nation.