A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed approximately 60 km from Jorhat in Assam’s Karbi Anglong area Thursday evening during a training mission. The aircraft lost radar contact shortly after takeoff from Jorhat airbase, with search operations underway for the two pilots whose fate remains unknown. Officials confirmed the crash site amid reports of a loud explosion in the remote hills.
What Caused the Sukhoi-30 to Crash Near Jorhat?
The Sukhoi-30 MKI took off from Jorhat airbase for a routine training flight Thursday evening. It lost contact with ground control around 7:42 pm. The crash occurred in Karbi Anglong district, about 60 km away. Indian Air Force spokespersons verified the incident, noting no further communication with the aircraft. A loud explosion-like sound echoed around 7 pm near Nilip block.
The Su-30MKI which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@indiannavy https://t.co/64Ii5V2fiZ
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 5, 2026
When Did the IAF Jet Go Missing and Where?
Radar contact vanished shortly after takeoff Thursday evening from Jorhat. Last ground communication logged at 7:42 pm. The wreckage landed in remote Karbi Anglong hills. Unverified social media photos of the site began circulating. Locals reported the blast sound, alerting authorities promptly.
Who Are the Pilots and What’s Their Status?
Two pilots were aboard the Sukhoi-30 MKI. No contact has been established with them since radar loss. An IAF official said: “The aircraft had two pilots on board and there has been no contact with them so far.” Their fate stays unknown as rescue efforts intensify. Identities have not been released.
Search Operations Underway
Indian Air Force launched immediate search and rescue post-radar blackout. Teams target the Karbi Anglong crash zone. Operations continue into Friday morning. Officials prioritize locating the pilots and aircraft debris. Ground and aerial assets deployed despite hilly terrain challenges.
Social Media Images Circulating from Karbi Anglong
Unverified pictures purportedly from the crash site spread online Thursday night. They depict wreckage in a remote hill area near Nilip block. Locals linked them to the 7 pm explosion sound. IAF has not authenticated the images. Circulation highlights public concern over the incident.
FAQs
Q: Where did the Sukhoi-30 MKI crash in Assam?
A: In Karbi Anglong area, about 60 km from Jorhat airbase, during Thursday evening training.
Q: When did the jet lose contact?
A: Around 7:42 pm Thursday, shortly after takeoff from Jorhat; explosion heard near 7 pm.
Q: How many pilots are missing?
A: Two pilots aboard; no contact since radar loss, fate unknown.
Q: What next in the search ops?
A: IAF teams actively scanning Karbi Anglong hills for pilots and wreckage.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
