Officials said the Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat airbase in the northeastern Indian state of Assam for a routine mission. Shortly after the flight began, the jet suddenly disappeared from radar contact while flying over the Karbi Anglong district.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft lost communication with ground control during the evening sortie. Authorities quickly initiated emergency procedures and launched a search and rescue mission to locate the fighter jet and its crew.

According to officials, the aircraft had two pilots on board. However, there has been no confirmed contact with them since the jet went off radar. Rescue teams are now trying to determine the exact situation.

Local residents in the Karbi Anglong region reported hearing a loud explosion like sound coming from the nearby hills around the same time the aircraft disappeared. Some villagers also claimed they saw smoke rising from a remote mountainous area.

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Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the reported explosion is connected to the missing aircraft. The suspected crash area is located in a forested and hilly region, which makes rescue operations difficult.

Search teams from the air force and local authorities are combing the area to find the aircraft and ensure the safety of the pilots. Officials say more details will be shared once the teams reach the suspected location.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is considered one of the most powerful fighter jets in India’s air force fleet and is widely used for air defence and combat missions.