A routine training mission turned tragic on Saturday when an Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the strategically important Roureah Air Force Station in Assam's Jorhat district. The accident claimed the lives of five Air Force personnel, while one officer survived and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The aircraft, which was reportedly flying from Arunachal Pradesh to Jorhat, went down within the air base premises during the landing phase. Following the crash, the Indian Air Force ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the defence community, with tributes pouring in for the personnel who lost their lives while serving the nation.
The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026
Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.… pic.twitter.com/9SmOjtS5mU
Officers who lost their lives
According to News 18, among those killed was Prashant Singh, a Squadron Leader who was part of the aircraft's operating crew. Also among the deceased was Shubham Kumar, a young officer whose service career was cut short in the line of duty.
The loss of both officers has been deeply felt within the Indian Air Force, where they were respected for their professionalism and commitment to service.
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Air warriors who served till the end
According to News 18, the crash also claimed the life of Jitendra Sharma, who was serving as part of the aircraft's crew.
Two Agniveervayu personnel, Khemaram Kumawat and Danish Alam, were also among those killed. Their deaths mark another reminder of the sacrifices made by young servicemen who join the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme.
The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.
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Deeply anguished by the loss of five Air Warriors in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 13, 2026
Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage… https://t.co/eChXozjT85
AN-32's long service history under scrutiny again
According to News 18, the AN-32 remains one of the Indian Air Force's most important transport aircraft, especially for operations in remote and high-altitude regions. It plays a vital role in logistics, troop movement and supply missions across the country.
However, the aircraft has also been involved in multiple accidents over the decades. Since its induction in the mid-1980s, around 22 AN-32 crashes have been reported in India.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the deceased personnel, stating that their courage, dedication and service to the nation would always be remembered with pride and gratitude.
