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 to track down the plane and its pilots, officials said.
According to defense officials, the plane’s last contact with ground control was around 7.42 pm before it disappeared from radar. An Israeli Air Force official, who requested to remain anonymous, 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.”
Meanwhile, a loud explosion-like sound was reportedly heard from a remote hill area near Nileep Building in Karbi Anglong area around 7pm. Some unconfirmed photos of the alleged incident were also circulated on social media.
However, authorities have not confirmed whether the reported sound and the missing fighter jet are linked.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF), on its official handle
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 suspected area is remote and difficult to access, which could make the search difficult.
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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.
Officials said more details will be available once search teams arrive in the area and determine the exact situation regarding the plane and its crew.
