A Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, said Guwahati Defence PRO on Thursday, adding that a search operation has been launched to find its whereabouts.
Preliminary information suggest that the Su-30 MKI, which is a 4.5 generation aircraft, had gone missing from the radar around 7 pm, while performing a sortie in the Karbi Anglong district. Some reports suggest that locals had even heard a loud explosion. The pilot is also missing, and a search and rescue operation is currently underway.
“The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approximately 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway,” the Indian Air Force said in a statement.
Su-30 MKI crash in Nashik
In June 2024, a similar incident had happened after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI had gone missing in Maharashtra's Nashik district. According to the air force, the aircraft had crashed near Shirasgaon village of Nifad tehsil, but the pilot and the co-pilot were able to eject safely.
Though, the pilot (Wing Commander Bokil) had suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) hospital for treatment. According to officials, the aircraft, which was undergoing flight testing after an overhaul, had crashed due to a technical error.
About Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet 4.5 generation aircraft that is used for air superiority. It is developed by Russia's Sukhoi and is built indigenously by the HAL in India. The Su-30s, which have a range of around 3,000 km and can even fire Brahmos, form the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
At present, the India Air Force operates around 270 Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs. India is also planning the major modernisation programme for the Su-30s, which is called 'Super Sukhoi'. Under this, Su-30s will be upgraded with AESA radar, new avionics, advanced electronic warfare systems and improved weapons.
