BREAKING: IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI Crashes in Karbi Anglong, Assam

​KARBI ANGLONG — An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026, in the remote hilly terrain of Nilip Block under Chokihola in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
​The Incident
​Time & Origin: The aircraft took off from the Jorhat Air Force Station (Rowriah) on a routine training mission.
​Radar Loss: Contact with ground control was lost at approximately 7:42 PM.
​Location: Locals in the Rangkhelan village area reported hearing a massive explosion and seeing a fireball erupt from a hilltop around 7:00 PM.
​Wreckage Found: Local residents and police reportedly reached the difficult mountainous site by midnight, locating the wreckage (Serial No. SB 175).
​Current Status
​Search & Rescue: The IAF has launched an intensive search operation. The terrain is densely forested and difficult to access, slowing official recovery efforts.
​Pilots: There were two pilots on board. As of Friday morning, their status remains officially unconfirmed, though local reports express grave concerns.
​Official Statement: The Defence PRO in Guwahati confirmed the aircraft went missing from radar, and a "Search and Rescue" mission is currently underway.
​Note: Unverified photos and videos of the burning wreckage at the crash site have begun circulating on social media, showing the impact zone in the Nilip hills.
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