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IAF Sukhoi-30MKI Crash in Assam: Two Pilots Dead, Probe Ordered
Guwahati| March 5 : In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on the night of March 5, 2026.
Two pilots on board — Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar — died in the accident. According to the IAF, the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine training mission before the crash occurred.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the loss of both officers and expressed condolences to their families.
Reason Behind the Sukhoi-30MKI Crash
Defence experts say the Sukhoi-30MKI is one of the most reliable fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet. The twin-engine multirole fighter has played a major role in several operations and exercises conducted by the IAF.
Accidents involving the aircraft are considered relatively rare. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, and the Indian Air Force has ordered a detailed investigation.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident and paid tribute to the two pilots in a post on X.
Who Were the Pilots?
Squadron Leader Anuj was an experienced fighter pilot and was leading the formation during the sortie.
Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar served as the Weapons System Officer (WSO) and the second pilot of the Sukhoi-30MKI.
According to local reports, Duragkar belonged to the Nagpur region of Maharashtra.
He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 17, 2022, through the Short Service Commission (SSC).
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Recent Major Incidents in the Indian Air Force
HAL Tejas Mk1 Accidents
The HAL Tejas Mk1 is India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft. The program first flew in 2001 and is considered a key milestone in India’s defence aviation program.
Although the program has been largely successful, a few incidents have occurred in recent years.
Major incidents involving Tejas Mk1 include:
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March 2024 – Jaisalmer crash
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November 2025 – Dubai Airshow crash
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February 2026 – Naliya runway accident
March 2024 – Jaisalmer Crash
In March 2024, an IAF HAL Tejas Mk1 fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan during a training sortie.
The pilot managed to eject safely, and no casualties were reported on the ground. The Indian Air Force later launched an investigation into the incident.
November 2025 – Dubai Airshow Crash
In November 2025, a Tejas Mk1 aircraft crashed during a performance at the Dubai Airshow.
The accident occurred during an aerial demonstration. The pilot ejected safely, and an investigation was initiated to determine the cause of the crash.
February 2026 – Naliya Runway Incident
On February 7, 2026, a Tejas Mk1 aircraft overshot the runway at Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat during a training mission.
The incident reportedly occurred due to a suspected brake or system failure while accelerating for take-off.
The pilot survived with minor injuries, but the aircraft suffered significant structural damage.
Following the incident, the Indian Air Force temporarily grounded the Tejas fleet for precautionary safety checks. The recent fighter jet crashes have raised questions among citizens about the safety and operational challenges of military aircraft. While investigations are underway, experts note that high-performance fighter jet operations involve complex systems and inherent risks.