NEW DELHI: In a troubling escalation of aviation mishaps, an Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on March 5–6, 2026 — adding to the ongoing challenges faced by the Indian Air Force, which has seen a troubling series of incidents including multiple crashes of both front line aircraft like the Rafale and fatalities during elevated tensions with Pakistan and China.
The Indian Air Force has faced significant challenges with multiple fighter jet crashes over past one year. Notably, several Rafale jets were confirmed shot down during 4-days of war with Pakistan in May 2025, marking a critical moment in aerial combat. This was followed by various incidents involving the MiG-21 Bison, Jaguar, and Mirage 2000, resulting in both fatalities and missing pilots.
Most recently, the Tejas fighter crashed during a demonstration flight in Dubai Air Show, further underscoring the operational risks faced by the IAF as it navigates complex aerial engagements and routine training missions amidst an evolving security landscape.
Turning to social media platform X, India Air Force first reported that “an IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated.”
However, after a few hours, it said “The Su-30MKI which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway.”
Karbi Anglong, it may be added here, is one of the largest districts in the Indian state of Assam, covering over 10,000 square kilometers in the central part of the state, characterized by its hilly terrain, dense forests (covering about 40% of the area), and rich biodiversity, including wildlife sanctuaries like Garampani and East Karbi-Anglong, as well as elephant reserves.
