Daijiworld Media Network - Assam
Assam, Mar 6: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed on Thursday evening in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission, the IAF confirmed. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat Airbase.
The jet went down in a hilly terrain approximately 60 km from Jorhat. “The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Earlier, the IAF had reported the fighter jet as overdue after losing contact with ground control at 7.42 pm. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the condition of the pilots onboard the twin-seat aircraft. Authorities are working to locate the crew and assess the situation on the ground.
Inducted into the Indian Air Force in the early 2000s, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI is considered one of the most capable frontline combat aircraft. The IAF currently operates a fleet of more than 200 Sukhoi jets.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams mobilized to reach the crash site in the challenging hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong.