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At a very tragic stage on 6 March 2026, the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI twin-seater fighter aircraft crashed in Assam, leaving two Indian Air Force pilots dead. This accident happened in an ordinary training mission commonly around the Jorhat Air Force Station at around 11:15 AM Indian Standard Time.

The plane, which was a flight of a forward squadron of the IAF, crashed in a tea garden field within the Tezpur-Jorhat stretch. The witnesses reported having seen a loud explosion and heavy black smoke. Pilot Squadron Leader Vikram Singh and co-pilot Wing Commander Arjun Rathore died in the plane crash and failed to eject themselves.

The Indian Air Force announced that they lost their own recognizance: “It is with great sadness that we inform the nation of the ultimate sacrifice of two of our gallant pilots when on duty. An Investigation Court is commissioned to determine the origin of the accident. The IAF is presently standing by the families who lost loved ones in these moments of unimaginable loss.

An initial statement indicates that there was a potential technical defect, but at this point, it could be bird strike, engine malfunction, and human-induced factors. There were no casualties among civilians, and the place of the crash has been closed down by the armies and IAF forces.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also gave his deepest possible condolence by saying, "The country has lost two of its greatest sons." Their heroism and service will not be forgotten. The Prime Minister, the Chief of Air Staff, and the whole fraternity of the armed forces honored the fallen pilots and termed them gallant warriors who died in the service of the country.

The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is still considered the main war fleet of the IAF, and more than 260 planes are operational. The 2nd Su-30 crash in the recent past (and the previous crash happened in Nashik in 2024) is ratifying the necessity of strengthening measures in maintenance protocols and updating the fleet.

The pilots are found, and their bodies will be given full military honors. The two officers have everlasting tributes as people all over the country offer their tributes to the two officers who died in the line of duty.

Jai Hind.