The country has lost two of its brave pilots when a fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in Assam. The accident occurred on the evening of March 5, 2026, when the Su-30 MKI aircraft was on a routine training mission. Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishtha and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Durgkar lost their lives in this accident. The most sad aspect is that Anuj Vashishtha was going to get married in a few days, and the atmosphere of celebration in his house has turned into mourning.
The plane disappeared from radar during training
Giving information about the accident, Air Force officials said that the plane had taken off from Jorhat Airbase in Assam. It was a normal training flight. But shortly after take-off, at 7:42 pm, the aircraft lost radar contact.
After extensive search, it was found that the plane crashed in Chokihola area of Karbi Anglong district, about 60 km from Jorhat. The next day, i.e. on 6 March, the Air Force officially confirmed that both pilots on board the aircraft suffered serious injuries and could not survive. This news has shocked the entire defense community.
The happiness of marriage turned into mourning
Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishtha was a resident of Sector 22B, Gurugram. Wedding preparations were in full swing in his house. His fiancee is also a pilot and within a few days both of them were going to get married. Relatives had started gathering at home, but as soon as the news of the crash came, happiness turned into sadness.
According to people close to the family, Anuj’s mother has not yet been informed about her son’s demise. She is said to be only injured, and she is still praying for her son’s recovery. Some family members have left for Assam as soon as the news was received. Anuj was originally from Bhiwani district of Haryana, but his family was living in Gurugram for a long time.
The record of both pilots has been excellent
Both the martyred pilots were part of 47 Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Durgkar took part in ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK in 2025. Whereas Anuj Vashishtha did his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gurugram and his dream was always to serve the country.
The Air Force said in its statement that they stand strongly with the bereaved families in this difficult time. The Defense Ministry and many leaders have also expressed deep sorrow over this accident. This is considered a major loss for the Su-30 MKI fleet.
