Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Goes Missing in Assam’s Karbi Anglong District; Search Underway
New Delhi, March 5, 2026 – A Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has gone missing from radar while performing a sortie in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, officials confirmed on Thursday evening. A large-scale search and rescue operation has been launched to locate the aircraft and its missing pilot.
Preliminary reports indicate the 4.5-generation fighter jet went missing around 7 PM, with locals reportedly hearing a loud explosion, suggesting a possible crash. The Ministry of Defence and IAF have not officially confirmed the crash yet.
This is not the first incident involving the Su-30 MKI. In June 2024, a similar jet went missing in Nashik, Maharashtra, during flight testing after an overhaul. The aircraft crashed near Shirasgaon village, but both the pilot and co-pilot ejected safely, with the pilot sustaining minor injuries. The previous crash was attributed to a technical error.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation in Karbi Anglong and are working to locate the pilot. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Keywords: Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, IAF, Assam Karbi Anglong crash, Indian Air Force missing jet, Su-30 MKI search operation
