An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lost radar contact on Thursday evening while flying over Assam, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation by defence authorities.

The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam and was last in contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm, according to officials. Shortly afterward, radar and communication contact with the jet was lost.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was reported overdue and that search teams have been deployed to trace its last known location. Rescue units, along with local authorities, are participating in the operation to locate the aircraft and determine what caused the sudden loss of contact.

The Su-30MKI, a twin-engine multirole fighter jet, is among the main combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force and is widely deployed in the northeastern region.

Officials said further details regarding the aircraft’s mission and the crew onboard will be shared once more information becomes available.

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