Kazakh military jet crashes during training flight, crew ejects safely

2026-02-25 - 11:02

A Kazakh military aircraft crashed Wednesday while conducting a training flight in the central Karaganda region, but both crew members ejected safely before impact, the country's Defense Ministry announced. The Su-30SM fighter jet went down during routine exercises, though authorities have not yet specified the cause of the incident. Investigation Underway "The crew of the Su-30SM fighter jet ejected safely," the ministry said in a statement. A special expert commission has been established to investigate the causes and circumstances of the crash. Military officials are examining technical data, maintenance records, and pilot testimony to determine what led to the accident. Aircraft Background The Su-30SM is a advanced multirole fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation and operated by several nations including Kazakhstan. The aircraft is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, equipped with thrust-vectoring engines for enhanced maneuverability. Kazakhstan has been modernizing its air force with such platforms as part of broader military cooperation with Russia. Safety Record While military aviation incidents occur periodically during high-intensity training, the successful ejection of both pilots represents a positive outcome in what could have been a fatal accident. The Defense Ministry's swift confirmation of crew survival and initiation of an investigation reflects standard protocol following such incidents. Further details will likely emerge as the commission completes its work and determines whether mechanical failure, human error, or external factors contributed to the crash.