The Indian Air Force suffered a devastating loss on Thursday night when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a routine training sortie, killing both pilots on board. Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Durgakar — the two brave aviators aboard — died in the accident, the IAF confirmed.

The aircraft took off from Jorhat Airbase in Assam on Thursday evening on a scheduled training mission. Contact with the jet was lost at 7:42 PM, after which the aircraft disappeared from radar. The IAF officially declared the aircraft missing at 9:34 PM and immediately launched a search operation. After an extensive overnight search, the wreckage was located in the Karbi Anglong district, confirming the crash.

In a post on X, the Indian Air Force confirmed the deaths of both pilots and expressed deep condolences to their families. "The entire Air Force stands firmly with the families of the martyred pilots in this tragic hour," the statement read.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter jet — one of the most advanced and powerful aircraft in the IAF's fleet. Designed by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi and built under licence in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the aircraft is a cornerstone of India's air combat capability, deployed across a wide range of combat and training roles.

The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash. The precise reason for the sudden loss of contact and the subsequent crash will only be established after a detailed technical examination of the wreckage and available flight data.