Categories: India News

Who Were Squadron Leader Anuj And Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar? Indian Air Force Pilots Killed In Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crash In Assam

A tragic accident claimed the lives of two pilots from the Indian Air Force (IAF) after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Karbi Anglong district, Assam late last night. The Air Force confirmed that the deceased pilots were Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar.

Add NewsX As A Trusted Source
Add as a preferred
source on Google
Published by Meera Verma
Last updated: March 6, 2026 12:09:12 IST

A tragic accident claimed the lives of two pilots from the Indian Air Force (IAF) after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Karbi Anglong district, Assam late last night. The aircraft had gone missing during a training mission after taking off from Jorhat Airbase.

Pilots Identified; Air Force Expresses Grief

The Air Force confirmed that the deceased pilots were Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. In an official statement posted on social media, the IAF expressed condolences, saying all personnel “stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

Training Mission Turns Fatal

Officials reported that communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm, shortly after departure from the airbase. The jet later crashed in a remote area of Karbi Anglong district. Rescue teams reached the site, but both pilots had succumbed to injuries.

About The Su-30 MKI

The Su-30 MKI is a twin-seat, long-range, multirole fighter jet used extensively by the IAF. Developed by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi, the aircraft is now produced under license in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and remains a key component of the Air Force’s combat fleet.

The Air Force operates more than 260 Su-30 MKI jets, which serve in both combat and training roles. Authorities have ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.

This incident adds to a series of aviation accidents in recent years, raising questions about operational safety and maintenance standards in military aviation. Further details are awaited as the inquiry progresses.

ALSO READ: Who Is Taranjit Singh Sandhu? Former US Ambassador Appointed Delhi’s New Lieutenant Governor, Replaces V K Saxena

Recent Posts

NEET-UG 2026 Re-Examination Admit Cards Released Ahead Of June 21 Test

The NTA has released NEET UG 2026 admit cards for the June 21 re-examination. Candidates…

June 14, 2026

5 Jobs AI Could Eliminate Within Decade

Advances in artificial intelligence and automation could significantly reduce demand for data entry clerks, cashiers,…

June 14, 2026

Baghpat Man Killed After Wife, Instagram Lover Drug Him With Kheer

A man in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat was allegedly murdered by his wife and her lover,…

June 14, 2026