Two Indian Air Force Pilots Killed in Fatal Sukhoi Su-30 Crash in Assam

March 6, 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in a Su-30 aircraft crash. The IAF posted the announcement on X, expressing deep sorrow over the incident.

IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026

Condolences to Families

In its statement, the IAF said all personnel express their sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. The armed force acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by the officers while serving the nation.

The Su-30 MKI was on a training mission and had gone missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, about 60 km from where it crashed.

Communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm, officials had said.

The Su-30 MKI is a two-seater, multirole, long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.

It is now built under licence by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF.

The IAF operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30 MKI jets.

Investigation Underway

Details about the cause of the crash have not been released yet. The IAF is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.