An Indian Air Force fighter aircraft, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI, has gone off radar during a sortie in Assam, triggering a search effort by authorities.

According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat and maintained communication with ground control until around 7:42 pm. Shortly after that, radar contact with the jet was lost.

Following the incident, the Air Force launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation to trace the aircraft and determine its status. Teams have been deployed in the region as efforts continue to locate the jet.

The Su-30MKI is one of the most important fighter platforms operated by the Indian Air Force. Based on a design originally developed in Russia, the aircraft has been extensively modified to suit India’s operational needs.

Large numbers of these jets are stationed in northeastern India, given the region’s strategic importance. The aircraft type first entered service in the late 1990s, and many units are now assembled domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of more than 250 Su-30MKI fighters, making it the backbone of the country’s combat air capability.

Authorities said more information would be shared once the ongoing search operation yields results.