Saturday, 13th June 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 13th June 2026, 10:45 AM
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Antonov AN-32 military transport aircraft crashed at the Jorhat Air Force Station in the northeastern state of Assam, resulting in the fatalities of all five military personnel on board. According to this information has been confirmed in a report in a leading Indian media outlet.
The Indian Air Force released an official statement confirming that the twin-engine AN-32 transport aircraft encountered an emergency at approximately 10:00 hours local time within the perimeter of the Jorhat Air Force Base. Preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft crashed inside the station boundaries whilst attempting to land.
The impact caused an immediate post-crash fire. Emergency response protocols were initiated swiftly, deploying firefighting units and specialized search and rescue teams to contain the blaze and evaluate the structural damage. Salvage operations and a formal technical investigation were commenced at the crash site immediately after the area was secured.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the names and ranks of the five service members who lost their lives in the line of duty during the training mission:
Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
Agniveervayu Danish Alam
Expressing profound grief over the operational loss, the IAF stated that the nation would respectfully remember the ultimate sacrifice of these personnel. The military administration extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
Following the confirmation of the crash, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressed the situation, stating: “We are aware of the Air Force transport aircraft crash in Jorhat. We are awaiting detailed information.”
The precise technical or environmental causes of the landing failure remain unverified. To determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash, the Indian Air Force has instituted a formal Court of Inquiry.
| Operational Parameter | Verified Technical and Incident Details |
| Date and Local Time | Saturday, 13 June; approximately 10:00 hours |
| Location of Incident | Jorhat Air Force Station, Assam, India |
| Aircraft Model | Antonov AN-32 (Tactical Transport Aircraft) |
| Mission Type | Routine Training Sortie |
| Accident Classification | Landing phase crash followed by hull loss and fire |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 5 IAF Personnel (Officers and Enlisted Airmen) |
| Origin of Aircraft Fleet | Soviet-designed twin-engine turboprop |
| Active IAF Fleet Strength | Approximately 100 airframes |
The Antonov AN-32 is a Soviet-era twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aircraft that serves as a cornerstone of the IAF’s transport fleet. Specifically configured to meet Indian operational requirements, these aircraft are heavily utilized for transporting cargo and dropping supplies in rugged, high-altitude regions. The Indian Air Force currently maintains an active inventory of approximately 100 AN-32 units.
This incident follows a previous aviation accident in the region a few months prior, involving an IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet that crashed in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. Notably, that combat aircraft had also originated from the Jorhat Air Force Station on a routine training mission, drawing renewed attention to regional military flight operations.
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