A Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force crashed during a routine training mission in Karbi Anglong district of Assam on Thursday night, killing both pilots on board, officials said. The IAF confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the officers.

“The 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 families in this time of grief,” the IAF said in a statement.

Aircraft lost radar contact after take-off

According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat at around 6.45 p.m. and lost radar contact with ground control at about 7.42 p.m. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately after the jet was reported overdue.

Residents of nearby villages reported hearing a loud noise followed by an explosion shortly after the aircraft went down. Villagers also joined the search efforts, using torches and lights to help locate the crash site.

Police personnel, along with Air Force police teams, soon reached the area and carried out search operations at the site.

Earlier, the Air Force had stated that the aircraft was reported overdue after losing radar contact during the training sortie. Further details about the cause of the crash are yet to be ascertained.

The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and forms a key part of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet.

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