IAF Sukhoi-30 Fighter Jet Loses Radar Contact Over Assam; Search Efforts Underway
Synopsis
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet from the Indian Air Force has lost radar contact during a routine mission over Assam's Karbi Anglong district. Search and rescue operations are currently in progress to locate the aircraft and ascertain the situation.
Key Takeaways
Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact over Assam .
Immediate search and rescue operations initiated.
Terrain challenges complicate operations.
Aircraft is vital to India's air defense.
Previous incidents involving Sukhoi-30MKI noted.
Guwahati, March 5 (NationPress) A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost radar contact while on a mission over the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on Thursday, according to defense officials.
The Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) reported that the aircraft vanished from radar during what was characterized as a standard sortie, triggering an immediate mobilization of Air Force units and other security forces.
“An IAF Sukhoi-30 has lost radar contact. Teams from the Air Force have been dispatched to investigate the situation and gather more information,” stated the PRO.
Preliminary details suggest that the aircraft was navigating the hilly landscape of Karbi Anglong when it suddenly lost communication with ground control.
Search and rescue teams from the Air Force, along with local administration personnel and other security agencies, have been deployed to locate the aircraft and clarify the events surrounding this incident.
Officials are currently working to gather more information regarding the aircraft’s last known location and the number of crew members aboard.
Defense sources indicated that the area where the radar connection was lost consists predominantly of dense forests and mountainous regions, posing significant challenges to search and rescue operations.
Rescue teams are coordinating efforts closely with local authorities and other security forces to execute the operation in the designated area.
The Sukhoi-30MKI is a critical multi-role fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force and plays a vital role in India's air defense capabilities.
There have been previous incidents involving Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft as well.
In August 2019, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur in Assam during a routine training flight, with both pilots ejecting safely and being recovered.
Earlier, in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI went down approximately 36 km south of the Tezpur Air Force base shortly after takeoff, with both pilots successfully ejecting prior to the crash.
Authorities confirmed that search operations are actively ongoing, with further updates to be provided as more information becomes available.
Point of View
The loss of radar contact with an IAF Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft raises concerns about the challenges of operating in dense and mountainous terrain. It highlights the importance of swift response strategies for search and rescue operations in such scenarios.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet?
The Sukhoi-30MKI lost radar contact during a routine mission over Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
What actions have been taken following the incident?
Search and rescue teams from the Air Force and local agencies have been mobilized to locate the aircraft and investigate the circumstances.
What challenges do rescue teams face in this operation?
The search area consists of dense forests and mountainous terrain, which can complicate rescue operations.
What is the significance of the Sukhoi-30MKI in the IAF?
The Sukhoi-30MKI is a key multi-role fighter aircraft and essential to India's air defense capabilities.
Have there been similar incidents in the past?
Yes, there have been previous incidents involving Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, including crashes during routine missions.
