Sukhrati: An Indian Air Force fighter plane – a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI – lost contact on 8 March 2022 with flight control when it departed for its mission from Jorhat Air Base, Assam. About 23 minutes later (19:42, local time), the FCR stated that there was now no contact with either the aircraft or the pilots aboard. The IAF has sent support teams to locate both the aircraft and the two pilots due to the serious nature of this incident.
Explosion Reported, Connection Unclear
As per local reports, at approximately 1900 hours, a loud explosion-type noise was heard in an isolated hilly region of Nilip Block within Karbi Anglong District. Photos of what is believed to be a crash site have been seen circulating on social media; however, the official investigation has yet to determine if these sounds are related to a missing fighter jet.
Security forces and rescue missions are conducting their operations in very steep, rugged and remote hills to confirm these reports. Officials have indicated that this area has limited accessibility, which could impede operations in the future.
IAF Confirms Overdue Aircraft
The Indian Air Force has released a statement via its official X handle that the Sukhoi-30 MKI has been declared as “overdue” and that further information will be available when search teams locate and assess it within its suspected area.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI (manufactured by HAL under licence from Russia) is a frontline multirole fighter that forms an essential component of India’s air defence system due to its technological advancements, operational capabilities and support for both long-range and close airborne combat.
Public and Operational Response
Authorities have made clear that locating the aircraft and crew safely is of primary importance. Residents living close to the Karbi Anglong area have been asked to report any unusual sightings or sounds they see or hear.
The ongoing search illustrates how dangerous it can be for aircrews to work in areas that are difficult to navigate because of difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Law enforcement officials have noted that once they have new information about the location of the downed plane and crew, that information will be made public as soon as possible. Pilot families have been anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones because search efforts continue through the night; the families remain hopeful and/or anxious to get updates about their loved ones from the search coordinators.
