An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft was reported missing on Thursday evening after losing radar and communication contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat in Assam, prompting the launch of a search and rescue operation.
According to the IAF, the aircraft was last in contact with ground control at 7.42 pm, after which it was declared overdue.
In a post on X, the Air Force said: “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.”
Sources indicated that the fighter jet was believed to be flying over the Karbi Anglong region, with initial reports suggesting it went missing near Chokihola shortly after the last communication.
Search and rescue teams have been mobilised to locate the aircraft and determine the circumstances under which contact was lost. Security forces and local authorities have also been alerted as part of the operation.
The Su-30MKI, a twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft that forms the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet, routinely operates from bases in the Northeast as part of India’s air defence and strategic deployment in the region.
Further details are awaited as the search operation continues..
Meanwhile, the IAF has come under renewed scrutiny over the safety of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet after a series of recent incidents involving the indigenous fighter jet.
In February 2026, a Tejas aircraft suffered severe damage after overshooting a runway during landing following a routine training sortie, reportedly due to a suspected technical or brake failure. The pilot managed to eject safely. Following the incident, the Indian Air Force temporarily grounded its fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to conduct detailed technical and safety checks.
This was the third accident involving the Tejas since its induction into service. The first crash occurred near Jaisalmer in March 2024, when the aircraft went down during a return flight from a firepower demonstration, though the pilot ejected safely.
A more serious incident took place in November 2025 during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, when a Tejas fighter jet crashed, killing the pilot. A court of inquiry was launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Also read: IAF grounds entire fleet of Tejas jets for technical scrutiny
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