An Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact on Thursday evening shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase in Assam. The aircraft was last in contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm. The jet had two pilots on board. The Air Force has launched a search and rescue operation to locate the fighter and its crew.
Aircraft Lost Contact Minutes After Departure
According to defence officials, the Su-30MKI had taken off from the IAF base in Jorhat for a routine sortie. Shortly after departure, radar and communication contact with the aircraft was lost.
The Indian Air Force later confirmed the development through a brief statement on its official X handle. It said the aircraft was reported “overdue” after losing contact with ground control.
Officials confirmed that the fighter jet had two pilots on board at the time of the incident. There has been no communication with them since the aircraft disappeared from radar. The cause of the incident remains unknown at this stage.
Search And Rescue Operation Initiated
A search and rescue mission was launched soon after the plane was reported missing. Defence authorities say teams have been mobilised to locate the aircraft and verify the situation on the ground.
“We are mobilising all available resources to locate the aircraft,” Defence PRO Lt Col Mahender Rawat said in a statement.
Security forces and rescue teams have begun combing areas near the aircraft’s last known position. The priority is to locate the jet and establish the condition of the pilots.
Explosion-Like Sound Reported In Karbi Anglong
Around the same time the aircraft lost contact, residents in parts of Assam reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound from a remote hill region.
Locals from Chokihola in the Bokajan subdivision of Karbi Anglong district claimed that an aircraft may have crashed in a forested area nearby. The region lies south of Jorhat and is known for its rugged terrain and dense forests. Access to many parts of Karbi Anglong is limited. This can potentially slow down rescue operations. Both ground teams and aerial surveillance will be deployed.
Some unverified images circulating on social media appear to show possible debris. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the reported sound or the images are linked to the missing Su-30MKI.
“We are preparing a team to go and verify it. We cannot confirm anything at this moment,” an official told PTI.
At this stage, officials have not confirmed whether the aircraft has crashed. The immediate focus remains on locating the jet and ensuring the safety of its crew.
With inputs from agencies.
