IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI Fighter Jet Crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong; Search Operations Continue

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening, approximately 60 km from Jorhat, according to an official statement from the IAF.

The aircraft, a key component of the force’s frontline multirole fleet, was on a training mission when it went down. It had taken off from the Jorhat air base in eastern Assam, with the last radar contact and communication recorded at 7:42 p.m.

The IAF initially reported the jet as overdue in a post on X late Thursday: “An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 p.m. Further details are being ascertained. Search and rescue mission has been initiated.”

Defence sources and subsequent updates confirmed the crash location in the hilly, forested terrain of Karbi Anglong. Search and rescue teams were mobilised immediately following the loss of contact, scouring the challenging area for wreckage and any signs of the crew.

ALSO READ : Indian Navy Rushes to Aid Sinking Iranian Warship

The IAF later stated that search operations remain underway, with no further details released on the status of the pilots—typically a two-member crew on the twin-seat Su-30 MKI—or the possible cause of the incident.

As reported , which cited the IAF’s confirmation, the development followed initial reports of the aircraft going missing from radar shortly after departure. The Sukhoi-30 MKI serves as a backbone of India’s air defence capabilities, equipped for air superiority, ground attack, and long-range operations.

Authorities have not reported any impact on civilian areas or additional casualties on the ground. Updates are expected as recovery and investigation efforts progress in the remote district.