IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Goes Missing From Radar In Assam, Search Operation Underway

A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) went missing from radar during a routine mission in Assam on Thursday evening, triggering a large search and rescue operation.

According to the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Guwahati, the aircraft lost contact with ground systems while flying over the Karbi Anglong district.
Authorities are currently working to locate the aircraft and the pilot, while officials continue to assess the situation.

Fighter Jet Lost Contact During Evening Sortie

Preliminary reports suggest that the Su-30MKI fighter jet disappeared from radar around 7 pm while conducting a routine sortie in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam.

Soon after the aircraft lost contact, emergency procedures were activated and search operations were launched to determine the jet's location. Defence officials confirmed that the pilot of the aircraft is currently untraceable, and rescue teams are actively searching the area.

Some local residents reportedly heard a loud explosion around the same time, which has led to speculation that the aircraft may have crashed. However, neither the Indian Air Force nor the Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed a crash.

Search and Rescue Teams Deployed

Following the loss of radar contact, security forces and local authorities began a search operation in the region. Rescue teams are combing the mountainous and forested areas of Karbi Anglong to locate the aircraft and ensure the safety of the pilot.

Officials said that more information will be available once the search teams complete their initial investigation and gather evidence from the site.

Previous Sukhoi Su-30MKI Incident in Nashik

This is not the first time a Su-30MKI aircraft has been involved in such an incident. In June 2024, a similar case occurred in Maharashtra's Nashik district.

During that incident, the aircraft crashed near Shirasgaon village in Nifad tehsil while it was undergoing flight testing after an overhaul. Fortunately, both the pilot and the co-pilot managed to eject safely before the crash.

The pilot, identified as Wing Commander Bokil, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) hospital for medical treatment. Officials later said the crash was caused by a technical malfunction.

About the Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is one of the most powerful fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. It is a two-seat, twin-engine 4.5 generation fighter jet designed for air superiority and long-range combat missions.

Originally developed by Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau, the aircraft is produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The jet has a combat range of around 3,000 kilometres and can carry a wide range of advanced weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

At present, the Indian Air Force operates around 270 Su-30MKI aircraft, making it the backbone of India's fighter fleet.

'Super Sukhoi' Upgrade Programme

India is also planning a major upgrade programme for its Su-30MKI fleet, known as the "Super Sukhoi" modernisation project.

Under this plan, the aircraft will receive Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, advanced electronic warfare systems and improved weapons capability. These upgrades aim to enhance the aircraft's combat effectiveness and extend its operational life.

For now, the priority remains locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of the pilot. Once the situation becomes clearer, the Indian Air Force is expected to carry out a detailed investigation into the incident.