IAF Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Goes Missing After Take-off from Assam’s Jorhat, Search Operation Underway

Guwahati: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft was reported missing shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase in Assam, prompting the launch of an extensive search and rescue operation, officials said on Thursday.

According to the Air Force, the aircraft lost contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm after departing from Jorhat. The fighter jet has since been reported overdue, raising concerns about its status.

In a brief statement posted on social media, the IAF confirmed the development and said efforts are underway to trace the aircraft. Authorities have initiated a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission to locate the jet and determine the circumstances behind the loss of contact.

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

Defence PRO Lt Col Mahender Rawat said all available resources have been mobilised to track the aircraft. “We are deploying every possible asset to locate the Su-30MKI and ascertain the situation,” he said.

As of now, there is no confirmed information about the pilot’s condition.

Meanwhile, reports from locals in Chokihola area of Bokajan sub-division suggested that an aircraft might have crashed in a nearby forested region. Officials said a verification team is being prepared to investigate the claim, but stressed that nothing has been confirmed so far.

Further details are awaited as search teams continue operations in the region.