A Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet lost radar contact during a routine sortie over Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.

According to the Defence Public Relations Officer, the aircraft went off radar while flying over the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong. “An IAF Sukhoi-30 aircraft has lost radar contact. Air Force teams have been launched to ascertain the facts and verify the situation,” the PRO said.

Initial reports suggest that communication with ground control was suddenly severed mid-flight. The exact circumstances of the incident, including the aircraft’s last known position and the number of personnel onboard, are still being determined.

Search and rescue teams from the IAF, along with local administration officials and other security agencies, have been mobilized to locate the aircraft. Sources indicated that the region where contact was lost is dominated by dense forests and mountainous terrain, which may complicate rescue efforts.

Authorities are coordinating closely to comb the area and gather verified information. Further updates are expected once more clarity emerges.

The Sukhoi-30MKI remains one of the IAF’s frontline multi-role fighter aircraft and a critical pillar of India’s air defense capability. Past incidents involving the platform include crashes near Tezpur in 2015 and 2019, in which pilots ejected safely.

Officials emphasized that the current priority is locating the aircraft and ensuring the safety of its crew.