IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI jet loses radar contact over Assam; search launched
An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact over Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat air base and lost contact at 7:42 PM. The IAF is mobilizing all available resources to locate the jet, with locals reporting a possible crash in a forested area.
Key Highlights
- IAF Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact in Assam.
- Aircraft took off from Jorhat air base, lost contact at 7:42 PM.
- Search and rescue operations are underway.
- Locals reported a possible crash in a forested area.
- IAF is mobilizing all available resources to locate the aircraft.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact over Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat air base and was last in contact at 7:42 PM. Following the loss of contact, the IAF immediately launched search and rescue operations, mobilizing all available resources to locate the missing aircraft. The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, twin-seater, multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. It is considered a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter and forms a crucial component of India's air defence capability. The IAF operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI jets, which were expected to form the backbone of its fighter fleet beyond 2020. The aircraft is tailored for Indian specifications and integrates Indian, Russian, French, and Israeli systems. The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel and can extend its flight duration up to 10 hours with in-flight refueling. Its radar system can track multiple targets and engage them simultaneously, and it can also function as a director for other aircraft. Locals from the Chokihola area in Bokajan sub-division have reported a possible crash in a forested area, and search teams are working to verify these claims. The terrain in the area where radar contact was lost is described as dense forests and mountainous, which could make the search operations challenging. The Indian Air Force has not released immediate information regarding the pilot's condition. This is not the first incident involving a Su-30MKI. In May 2017, a Su-30MKI crashed near Tezpur, Assam, after losing radar contact, and its wreckage was later found. In that incident, the pilots had ejected safely. Another Su-30MKI crashed in Nashik in June 2024 during a flight test, with both pilots ejecting safely due to a technical malfunction. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident in the 2017 incident. The current incident is a developing story, and further details are awaited as the search and rescue operations continue. The Times of India reported this event on March 5, 2026, and multiple other news outlets, including NDTV, Hindustan Times, India Today, and The Hindu, also covered the incident. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a formidable aircraft, representing a significant part of India's air power. Its operational history includes integration of various advanced systems and ongoing upgrade programs to maintain its strategic edge. The aircraft's capabilities are well-documented, highlighting its role as a key asset in the Indian Air Force's fleet. The IAF's commitment to maintaining its fleet is evident in the continuous upgrades and its strategic importance in regional security. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI has been the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future..
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sukhoi Su-30MKI?
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, twin-seater, multirole air superiority fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi and manufactured under license by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter and is considered a key asset in India's air defence capabilities.
Where did the aircraft go missing?
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact over the Karbi Anglong district in Assam, India. It had taken off from Jorhat air base in Assam.
When did the incident occur?
The aircraft lost radar contact on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026, at approximately 7:42 PM.
What actions are being taken?
The Indian Air Force has launched an immediate search and rescue operation, mobilizing all available resources to locate the missing aircraft. Local authorities are also assisting in the search.
Has this type of aircraft been involved in incidents before?
Yes, there have been previous incidents involving Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft. Notably, one crashed in Assam in May 2017, and another in Nashik in June 2024, though pilots in both instances ejected safely.