IAF launches massive search after Sukhoi-30 loses contact over Assam

Missing IAF Sukhoi-30 fighter jet: A massive search operation is underway in Assam after an IAF Sukhoi-30 fighter jet lost radar contact over the dense forests of Karbi Anglong during a routine mission on Thursday. 

Missing IAF Sukhoi-30 fighter jet: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact during a routine sortie over Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday, triggering a search and rescue operation. Defence officials said Air Force teams, along with local authorities and security agencies, have been deployed to locate the aircraft and determine the circumstances behind the sudden loss of communication.

The Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) confirmed that the aircraft went off radar during what was described as a routine mission. In response, the Air Force, along with other security agencies, immediately launched operations to ascertain the situation.

“An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been launched to ascertain the facts and verify the situation,” the PRO said.

Initial information suggests the jet was flying over hilly terrain in Karbi Anglong when communication with ground control was suddenly lost.

Indian Air Force search and rescue teams, in coordination with the local administration and other security personnel, have been mobilised to locate the aircraft and determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Details regarding the aircraft’s last known location and the number of personnel on board are still being verified.

Sources in the defence establishment noted that the dense forests and mountainous terrain of the region could make the search and rescue operations particularly challenging, IANS reported.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, two-seat multirole fighter that forms a key part of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. Developed collaboratively by Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft is tailored to meet Indian requirements, featuring advanced avionics sourced from Russia, India, France, and Israel.

Past incident involving the Su-30MKI

Past incidents involving the Su-30MKI have been reported. In August 2019, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur during a routine training mission; both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. Earlier, in May 2015, another Su-30MKI crashed about 36 km south of Tezpur Air Force Base shortly after take-off, with both pilots safely ejecting before impact.

Authorities said search operations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided once more information becomes available.

(With IANS inputs)