A Kazakh Air Force Su-30SM multirole fighter jet crashed on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, while conducting a routine training flight in the Karaganda region of central Kazakhstan, the country's Ministry of Defense reported.
The ministry confirmed that both crew members ejected safely from the aircraft and sustained no life-threatening injuries. They were promptly located, provided with medical assistance, and are currently under observation.
In an official statement, the Defense Ministry said:
“During a scheduled training flight, a Su-30SM aircraft of the Air Defense Forces crashed in the Karaganda region. The crew ejected safely. A special expert commission of the Ministry of Defense has been established to determine the causes and circumstances of the incident.”
No casualties were reported on the ground, and the crash site has been secured by military personnel. Preliminary information indicates the aircraft went down in a sparsely populated area, avoiding damage to civilian infrastructure or property.
The Su-30SM is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi corporation. Kazakhstan operates a fleet of approximately 24 Su-30SM jets, acquired between 2015 and 2020 as part of a major modernization program for its air force. The aircraft is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is considered one of the most advanced platforms in the Kazakh inventory.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. A special expert commission has been formed to examine technical, human, and operational factors. Authorities have not yet ruled out mechanical failure, pilot error, bird strike, or other potential contributors.
This marks the second known loss of a Kazakh Su-30SM since the type entered service. In 2019, another Su-30SM crashed during a training mission near Karaganda, with both pilots ejecting safely in that incident as well.
Kazakhstan's Air Defense Forces have maintained a high operational tempo in recent years, conducting regular joint exercises with Russia and other CSTO partners while also participating in bilateral drills with NATO member states and other international partners. The country has emphasized flight safety and pilot training amid the transition to more advanced Western and Russian-origin platforms.
No immediate impact on flight operations or regional security has been reported. The Defense Ministry has pledged a transparent investigation and promised to release findings once the commission completes its work.
Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
