An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet has gone missing from radar during a routine sortie in Assam, prompting authorities to launch an urgent search and rescue mission. The aircraft reportedly disappeared while flying over the Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft crashed, but reports from local residents suggested they heard a loud explosion in the area around the time the jet vanished.
IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI Missing In Assam
According to preliminary information, the fighter jet lost radar contact at around 7 pm during an operational sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. Defence officials confirmed that the aircraft suddenly went off radar, triggering immediate concern within the Indian Air Force.
A search operation began shortly after the aircraft went missing. Rescue teams are currently scanning the region to locate the jet and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm.
Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@Indiannavy— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 5, 2026
Authorities have not officially confirmed reports of a crash so far.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI Missing: Pilot Missing As Search And Rescue Operation Begins
The pilot of the aircraft is also missing, and emergency response teams have started a search operation in the suspected area. Officials are coordinating with local authorities and security personnel to locate the aircraft and its pilot as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, some reports suggest that villagers in the region heard a loud blast shortly before the aircraft disappeared from radar. However, the Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence have not yet confirmed these reports.
Previous Sukhoi Su-30MKI Crash In Nashik
A similar incident occurred in June 2024 when another Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. According to the Indian Air Force, the aircraft went down near Shirasgaon village in Nifad tehsil.
In that incident, both the pilot and co-pilot managed to eject safely before the crash. The pilot, Wing Commander Bokil, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited hospital for treatment.
Officials later said the aircraft had been undergoing flight testing after an overhaul and likely crashed due to a technical issue.
What Is The Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet?
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the most powerful and advanced fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force. It is a two-seat, twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter jet designed for air superiority and multi-role combat operations.
Originally developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, the aircraft is manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The fighter jet has a range of around 3,000 kilometres and can carry several advanced weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
The Su-30MKI forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. At present, the IAF operates around 270 of these aircraft.
India is also working on a major upgrade programme known as “Super Sukhoi.” Under this plan, the aircraft will receive advanced AESA radar, upgraded avionics, improved electronic warfare systems and new-generation weapons to enhance its combat capabilities.
