The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reported that an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed near the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The incident occurred on June 13, 2026, and search operations are currently underway to locate the crew and assess the situation.
Details of the Incident
The AN-32 aircraft, a twin-engine turboprop transport plane, was on a routine mission when it lost contact with ground control. The aircraft was carrying a crew of personnel, and the exact number of individuals on board has not been officially confirmed yet.
According to IAF officials, the aircraft took off from Jorhat Air Force Station and was scheduled to land at another base. However, communication was lost shortly after takeoff. The last known location of the aircraft was near the Jorhat area.
Search and Rescue Operations
Immediately after the loss of contact, the IAF launched search and rescue operations. Ground teams, along with aerial surveillance, are scouring the region to locate the crash site. The terrain in the area is challenging, with dense forests and hilly terrain, which may hamper the search efforts.
Local authorities, including the Assam police and disaster management teams, have been alerted and are assisting in the operations. The IAF has also deployed specialized teams to aid in the search.
Historical Context
The AN-32 aircraft has been a workhorse of the IAF for decades, primarily used for transport and logistics. However, there have been several incidents involving this aircraft type in the past, including a crash in 2019 in Arunachal Pradesh.
The IAF has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to locate the aircraft and its crew. A court of inquiry will be ordered to investigate the cause of the crash once the search operations are completed.
Reactions and Statements
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences and stated that the IAF is doing everything possible to locate the missing aircraft. He also assured the nation that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, also tweeted about the incident, expressing concern and urging people to stay calm. He confirmed that state agencies are providing full support to the IAF.
As the search continues, families of the crew members are anxiously waiting for updates. The IAF has set up a helpline for family members to get information.
Conclusion
The crash of the AN-32 aircraft in Assam is a tragic event, and the nation stands with the IAF during this difficult time. The search operations are ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
