NEW DELHI: Five Indian Air Force personnel lost their lives in an AN-32 aircraft crash in Assam on Saturday, as confirmed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in an official statement.
IAF Expresses Deep Regret
The IAF stated, "The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam. 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. IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief." This was posted on the IAF's official X account, providing an update on the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to the IAF, the "aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time." The aircraft involved was an Antonov An-32, a twin-engine military transport aircraft that serves as the backbone of the IAF's medium-lift fleet.
About the Antonov An-32
The IAF currently operates a fleet of approximately 100 An-32 aircraft. Originally designed and built in the erstwhile Soviet Union at the request of the IAF, the An-32 is highly capable in remote and high-altitude regions. Powered by two highly elevated turboprop engines, the transport aircraft can carry up to 7,500 kg of cargo, 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers. It is used by the IAF for tactical airlifting, troop transport, and remote-area resupply.
Future Replacement Plans
The IAF is planning to replace its aging An-32 fleet with newer medium transport aircraft like the Airbus C-295. The first made-in-India C-295 recently completed its maiden test flight from the final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat.
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