Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission.
The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Indian Air Force confirmed their deaths and expressed deep condolences to their families.
The fighter aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday evening for a training sortie. However, the jet lost radar contact shortly after take-off at around 7:42 pm, raising concerns among air force authorities.
Later, the aircraft was found to have crashed in a remote hilly area in Karbi Anglong, about 60 kilometres from Jorhat. Rescue teams were immediately sent to the location to search for the aircraft and the pilots.
Officials later confirmed that both pilots had died in the accident.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the most important fighter jets in the Indian Air Force and plays a major role in India’s air defence and combat operations.
Following the crash, the Air Force has ordered an investigation to determine what caused the accident. A court of inquiry will examine technical and operational factors to understand the circumstances that led to the crash.
More details are expected on this once investigators complete their initial assessment of the crash site.
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