indus.express
07/03/2026

IAF Pilot Anuj Vashisht Killed in Su-30 Crash Days Before Wedding

Updated 3 hours ago: The crash was reported to have occurred on Thursday evening, the wreckage was identified as a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft, both pilots were confirmed dead, the last radar contact time was specified as approximately 7.42 pm, and additional details about the pilots' service and background were included.

The wreckage of an Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft was found in Assam's Karbi Anglong district after it went missing on Thursday evening. Both pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were confirmed dead. The aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase during a training mission. The IAF reported that the jet was last in contact at approximately 7.42 pm. Search and rescue operations were initiated following reports of a loud explosion and smoke in the area. The Sukhoi-30MKI is a key component of India's air defence capabilities, developed through a collaboration between Russia and India. Anuj had served nearly a decade in the IAF, while Purvesh joined in 2022 after completing a BSc in computer science.

Published 6 hours ago • 07 Mar 2026, 03:17 AM IST

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