IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet goes missing in Assam; search underway

The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat and was last in contact at 7:42 pm, the Indian Air Force said in a post on X.

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.@DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @Indiannavy
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 5, 2026

The Su-30MKI, a highly customised version of the Russian-built Su-30 developed in the 1980s, has been the backbone of the IAF for decades.

Multiple squadrons are deployed in the northeast to maintain air defence readiness.

First delivered in 1997, the Su-30MKI is currently being produced domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Indian Air Force operates over 250 of these aircraft.

Officials said further details about the incident would be shared as the search and investigation progresses.