IAF’s Sukhoi Fighter Jet Crashes in Maharashtra, Pilots Survive
A Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on Tuesday at around 1:30 p.m. Both pilots ejected safely and sustained minimal injuries, according to IAF reports.
The Su-30 MKI took off from Ozar Air Force Station in Maharashtra’s Nashik district as part of a test flight by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In recent years, the Su-30 MKI has undergone several upgrades as a joint venture between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The jet was being piloted by Wing Commander Bokil and his second-in-command, Biswas, when the aircraft encountered technical difficulties. Shortly after reporting the difficulties to the base, the aircraft began to spiral downward uncontrollably. As a result, both pilots were forced to eject.
After the jet crashed in a farm field near Shirasgaon village in Niphad tehsil (Nashik, Madhya Pradesh), fragments of the aircraft were scattered over a 500-meter radius, while the main body remained mostly intact. The aircraft emitted billows of smoke and soon became engulfed in flames until fire officials arrived to extinguish the fire.
another video of the crashed Sukhoi Su30 MKI fighter jet at Nashik @IAF_MCC @DefenceMinIndia @DefPROMumbai @HALHQBLR pic.twitter.com/Kjuzs3U4LV
— dharmesh thakkar (@newzhit) June 4, 2024
Police officials, along with the IAF’s crash investigation team and several representatives from HAL, arrived shortly after at the scene and will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Special Inspector General of Nashik Range, D. R. Karale, told PTI that both pilots survived with only minor injuries. They were taken to the HAL hospital for further treatment.
Sukhoi Jet Crash Reason Yet to be Determined
According to IAF sources, the crashed Su-30 MKI was undergoing overhaul by HAL under a joint contract signed between HAL and DRDO in February. The flight marked the aircraft’s first test flight after the overhaul and upgrades by HAL. Upon successful completion of the test flight, the jet would be returned to the IAF.
Police officials have stated that the reason for the jet’s crash is yet to be determined, but both HAL and IAF have called for an inquiry into the matter. Last-minute contact with the pilots suggested that technical malfunctioning may be the cause, especially considering the jet had recently undergone upgrades and was on its first test sortie.
exclusive videos and pix of Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30 MKI test flight crash near Shirasgaon, Nifad taluka, Nasik. Both pilot and co-pilot ejected safely and recovered. The fighter jet was on the inventory of HAL for overhaul & testing purpose @IAF_MCC @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/TBcaBv5cy5
— dharmesh thakkar (@newzhit) June 4, 2024
Introduced by Russia, the Sukhoi fighter jet has undergone several changes since Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) acquired its license. While there are various variations of the Su-30, the IAF’s export version Su-30 MKI features thrust vectoring control (TVC) and canards, along with a multinational avionics complex sourced from Russia, India, Israel, and France.
Operated by the IAF for the past 20 years, the twin-engine, twin-seater, fourth-generation fighter aircraft has become an integral component of India’s air superiority. Sukhoi’s air maneuverability places India on par with the fifth and sixth generation fighter jets owned by current global superpowers such as the U.S., China, and Israel. The aircraft is equipped with a zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seat manufactured by Russia, enhancing survivability chances during low-altitude flights and ground incidents during take-off and landing.
Recent Crash Highlights HAL’s Inefficacy
With over 200 Su-30 and its variants in operation across the country, forming part of numerous squadrons of the IAF, the fighter jet stands as one of India’s most formidable aircraft and a significant component of its military history.
Often regarded as the backbone of the Indian Air Force, the Su-30 MKI symbolizes national defense capability and the strength of indigenous aerospace maintenance infrastructure. However, the recent crash highlights the necessity of enhancing HAL’s overhaul protocols to guarantee the reliability and safety of India’s critical defense assets.
