Service No : 38368 K F(N)

Date of Birth : 1998

Place of birth : Nagpur Dist (Mah)

Service : Air Force

Last Rank : Flight Lieutenant

Arm/Regt : Indian Air Force

Martyrdom : March 5, 2026

Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar

Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar was born into a supportive and close-knit family. He is the son of Shri Ravindra Duragkar and Smt Sandhya Duragkar, who played a vital role in nurturing his values and encouraging him to pursue his ambitions. Growing up, he shared a strong bond with his sister Sayali. He completed his schooling at South Public School, Nagpur, where he was known among teachers and classmates as a regular, sincere, and hardworking student. His school years were marked not only by academic commitment but also by active participation in extracurricular activities that nurtured leadership and teamwork. After finishing school, he continued his studies at Dr Ambedkar College, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. While studying there, he remained actively involved in activities that reflected his growing interest in aviation and the armed forces. A significant influence on his life was his association with the National Cadet Corps (NCC). As an NCC cadet, he represented Maharashtra in six national-level NCC camps. These camps exposed him to rigorous training, leadership development, and the disciplined lifestyle associated with the armed forces. He also represented the Maharashtra Directorate in aero-modelling competitions, an experience that further strengthened his fascination with aircraft and flying.

 

To prepare himself for a career in the defence services, he joined the Defence Services Academy in Nagpur. At the academy, he underwent structured training and preparation for the demanding selection processes required to join the armed forces. His instructors and peers recognized him as a focused and determined individual who worked tirelessly toward achieving his goal. Determined to turn his dream into reality, he prepared diligently and appeared for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), one of the key entry tests for the Indian Air Force. His dedication paid off when he successfully cleared the rigorous selection process. On 7 December 2022, he was commissioned as a Flying Officer into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. Following his commissioning, he underwent specialized training to qualify as a navigator, acquiring the professional skills and expertise required for military aviation duties. His training included stages in Hyderabad, followed by six months of advanced flying training in Bidar, a key training centre for fighter pilots in India. During this period, he developed the advanced flying abilities, situational awareness, and operational readiness expected from officers of the Air Force. After completing his training, Flying Officer Duragkar was posted to Tezpur in Assam, one of the important air bases in India’s northeastern region. He was later promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. During his service, Flight Lieutenant Duragkar was also associated with the Indian Air Force’s operation known as Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation involved targeting terror bases in Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. 

 

Operational Air Mission: 05 Mar 2026

 

In March 2026, Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar was serving with a frontline fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force equipped with the Sukhoi-30MKI, one of the most advanced multirole combat aircraft in India’s arsenal. Renowned for its versatility, the Su-30MKI is capable of executing a wide spectrum of missions, including air superiority, precision ground attack, long-range strike, and strategic deterrence. Its sophisticated avionics, powerful radar, and ability to carry diverse weapon systems make it a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s combat capability. With its extended range, heavy payload capacity, and superior manoeuvrability, the aircraft plays a crucial role in ensuring sustained air dominance and rapid operational response, particularly in sensitive sectors. At the time, his squadron was operating from Air Force Station Jorhat in Assam, a key installation under the Eastern Air Command. Established in August 1952, Air Force Station Jorhat is among the earliest airbases in the eastern sector and has grown into a strategically significant hub for air operations across the North-East. The region’s association with aviation dates back to 1928, when an early aircraft landed at the historic Jorhat Gymkhana Club grounds. During the Second World War, the area assumed great importance as part of the Allied air effort, serving as a vital link for operations into China. In the present operational environment, Air Force Station Jorhat continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining a high state of readiness in the eastern sector.

 

On 05 March 2026, Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar was undertaking an operational training mission as the 'Navigator' in a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft. He took off from Air Force Station Jorhat along with Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht. The sortie was part of a routine yet critical training exercise aimed at practising complex flying manoeuvres, tactical procedures, and operational coordination required to maintain combat readiness. During the course of the mission, radar contact with the aircraft was lost at approximately 7:42 p.m. Later, the aircraft tragically crashed at Inglong Ekopi Hill in the Bokajan sub-division of Karbi Anglong district in Assam, about 60 kilometres from the Jorhat Air Base. The crash site was eventually located in a remote, hilly, and forested area after residents of Chokihola village in the Bokajan sub-division noticed the wreckage and informed the authorities. In the tragic accident, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were unable to eject from the aircraft in time. Both Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar succumbed to the crash, resulting in the loss of two highly skilled and professionally competent air warriors of the Indian Air Force. Their untimely demise was a profound loss to the Air Force and to the nation they served with dedication and courage. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar laid down his life at the age of 28 years in the service of the nation. His supreme sacrifice reflects the highest traditions of courage, professionalism, and devotion to duty upheld by the Indian Air Force.

 

Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar is survived by his father, Shri Ravindra Duragkar, his mother, Smt Sandhya Duragkar, and his sister, Ms Sayali. 

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