SILCHAR: An Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jet lost radar contact on Thursday evening shortly after taking off from the air base in Assam’s Jorhat, prompting a search and rescue operation for the plane and its two pilots, defense officials said.
Officials said the plane’s last contact with ground control was around 7.42pm before it disappeared from radar.
An Israeli Air Force official, who requested anonymity, said: “There were two pilots on board the plane and there has been no contact with them yet. Search operations have begun to locate the plane and the pilots.”
A defense official confirmed that the plane is currently missing and that teams have been sent to confirm the situation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) wrote on its official handle
Around the same time, reports emerged from the Karbi Anglong area of a loud explosion-like sound being heard from a remote hill area near the Nileep massif below Chokihola. Local residents said they heard the sound in the evening and later noticed smoke rising from the hills.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the reported sound and the missing fighter jet are linked.
Security forces and search teams began operations in the mountainous area to verify the reports and determine the location of the plane. Officials said the area is remote and difficult to access, which could make the search difficult.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI is one of the frontline multi-role fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force and forms a key component of India’s air defense capabilities.
