IAF Sukhoi-30MKI Loses Radar Contact During Mission Over Assam, Search Operation Underway

Guwahati, March 5: A fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), identified as a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, lost radar contact while on a routine sortie over the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong district on Thursday, prompting the launch of an extensive search and rescue operation by defence authorities and local agencies.

According to officials, the aircraft was engaged in a routine operational mission when communication with ground control was suddenly lost. The incident occurred while the fighter jet was flying over a remote and forested part of Karbi Anglong, a district known for its rugged hills and dense vegetation.

The Defence Public Relations Officer confirmed that radar contact with the aircraft was lost during the sortie, triggering an immediate response from the Air Force. “An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been launched to ascertain the facts and verify the situation,” the official said.

Following the loss of contact, the Indian Air Force swiftly activated search and rescue protocols. Teams from the Air Force, along with personnel from the local administration and security agencies, were dispatched to the region to determine the aircraft’s status and locate its last known position.

Authorities said that details regarding the exact circumstances of the incident are still being verified. Officials are also working to confirm the aircraft’s precise last recorded location and the number of personnel on board at the time of the sortie.

Defence sources noted that the search operation may face significant challenges due to the geographical characteristics of the area. Large portions of Karbi Anglong are covered by thick forests, steep hills and remote terrain, making access difficult for ground teams. Despite these obstacles, rescue personnel are coordinating closely with local authorities and security forces to conduct a systematic search across the region.

The Sukhoi-30MKI is one of the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. Designed as a multi-role combat jet, it performs a wide range of missions including air superiority, ground attack and strategic deterrence. The aircraft forms a vital component of India’s air defence architecture and is widely deployed across several key air bases.

Incidents involving the Sukhoi-30MKI have occurred occasionally in the past, though pilots have often been able to eject safely in emergency situations. In August 2019, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur during a routine training mission. Both pilots ejected safely and were later rescued without serious injuries.

Earlier, in May 2015, another Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft crashed around 36 kilometres south of the Tezpur Air Force Station shortly after take-off. In that incident as well, the pilots managed to eject successfully before the aircraft went down.

Officials emphasised that the current priority remains locating the missing aircraft and ensuring the safety of the crew, if any. Search teams continue to scan the region using both aerial and ground resources.

Authorities said more information will be released once the situation becomes clearer and the ongoing search operations yield further results.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)