IAF Sukhoi-30 Crashes 60 km from Jorhat After Takeoff, Search On for Two Missing Pilots

New Delhi: The Su-30 MKI on a training mission crashed in Karbi Anglong, about 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway, the IAF said in an update. Earlier it was just reported as "overdue"; now the crash has been confirmed.

The Indian Air Force has more than 260 Su-30 MKIs, it is India's most powerful fighter. But there have been accidents in the last few years—one near Nashik in June 2024, another in January 2023 after a flight from Gwalior. Investigation is always ongoing so that such accidents do not happen again.

Right now the focus is on finding and safely evacuating both pilots. There might be problems in the search due to night, such as reduced visibility and safety concerns for the rescue team, but the team is trying its best. We hope for positive news soon.

What did the local people hear and see?

At that time the local people were in their homes when suddenly a loud bang-like sound startled them. Some villagers saw black smoke rising towards the distant hills. Within no time, some pictures started going viral on social media in which things like plane debris scattered in the forest were visible—although these pictures have not been officially confirmed yet.

The area is extremely remote—dense forest, rugged hills and darkness of night. The rescue team has to move forward battling these difficulties.

Is there any trace of both pilots yet?

The biggest question still remains unanswered—where are the two pilots? What is their condition? Search and rescue operations are going on with full enthusiasm. The Air Force, local administration, and disaster relief teams are working together. There remains hope that both pilots may have ejected—but until there is confirmed news, anxiety will persist.

What is the history of the Sukhoi-30?

The Indian Air Force has more than 260 Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in its fleet. It is considered our most lethal and reliable fighter aircraft. But there have also been accidents in the last few years — near Nashik in June 2024 and after a flight from Gwalior in January 2023. Every time there is an investigation, lessons are learned — and flights continue.

Right now everyone's eyes and prayers are for those two pilots who are somewhere in that dark forest. Good news comes soon – that's what everyone wants.