New Delhi, Mar 6: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday confirmed the loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

Taking to its social media platform X, the IAF said, “IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief."

According to reports, the Su-30MKI fighter jet was on a routine training mission when it lost radar contact during a sortie over Assam's Karbi Anglong district, approximately 60 km from Jorhat.

According to the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), the fighter aircraft went missing from radar contact during what was described as a routine mission, prompting an immediate response from the Air Force and other security agencies.

“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.

Search and rescue teams from the IAF, along with personnel from the local administration and other security agencies, had been mobilised to locate the aircraft and verify the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Also read: Man Burned Alive In Fire Incident Inside House

Officials had said more details regarding the aircraft’s last known position and the number of personnel on board were being ascertained.

The Sukhoi-30MKI is among the IAF's frontline multi-role fighter aircraft and forms a crucial component of India’s overall air defence capability.