Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes at Pune Airport
AI-generated from multiple sources. Verify before acting on this reporting.
PUNE, India — An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed at Pune Airport on Thursday evening, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:47 p.m. local time in Maharashtra state. Emergency services responded immediately to the scene, and the runway was closed for several hours as crews assessed the damage and secured the area.
The Su-30MKI, a multirole combat aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, was reportedly on a routine training mission when the accident took place. No details have been released regarding the status of the two-person crew. The Indian Air Force has not yet issued a formal statement on the cause of the crash or the condition of the pilots.
Pune Airport, which serves both civilian and military operations, saw significant disruption following the incident. Commercial flights were temporarily diverted or delayed as the runway remained closed for emergency operations. Local authorities have cordoned off the area surrounding the crash site to facilitate the investigation and recovery efforts.
Witnesses described seeing the aircraft descend rapidly before impacting the ground near the terminal area. Smoke was visible from the crash site, and emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, were seen arriving within minutes. The airport's control tower has been cooperating with investigators to review flight data and radar information.
The Indian Air Force has launched a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Officials have stated that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the crash. The inquiry will examine technical data, maintenance records, and pilot actions leading up to the accident.
This is the latest in a series of aviation incidents involving military aircraft in India. The Su-30MKI is a key component of the Indian Air Force's fleet, known for its advanced capabilities in air superiority and ground attack missions. The aircraft has been in service since the early 2000s and is considered one of the most sophisticated fighters in the region.
As of Thursday night, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the fate of the crew. The Indian Air Force has requested privacy for the families of the pilots and has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to support them during this difficult time.
The investigation is expected to take several weeks, with findings to be released once all evidence has been thoroughly analyzed. Until then, the cause of the crash remains unknown, and the full extent of the damage to the aircraft and surrounding infrastructure is still being assessed.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area around Pune Airport as recovery and investigative operations continue. The airport is expected to resume normal operations once the runway has been cleared and deemed safe for use.