NEW DELHI: Three Indian Army officers had a narrow escape after their Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The incident occurred on May 20, and all three personnel—a Major General, a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Major—survived the crash, though they sustained injuries.
Details of the Incident
The single-engine HAL Cheetah helicopter went down during a flight over high-altitude terrain. According to officials familiar with the matter, the helicopter was operated by the Lieutenant Colonel and the Major, while Major General Sachin Mehta, who commands the 3 Infantry Division, was on board as a passenger. A selfie taken by one of the officers after the crash has since gone viral on social media. Remarkably, all three individuals managed to walk out of the wreckage on their own. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the specific cause of the crash.
Background of the Cheetah Helicopter
The Cheetah helicopter, inducted into service in 1976, has been a crucial asset for the Indian Army, particularly in high-altitude and forward regions like the Siachen Glacier. It is primarily used for logistics and reconnaissance missions. However, the ageing fleet has been under technical scrutiny due to a series of crashes. Over the past decade, more than 15 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have been involved in accidents, resulting in the loss of several pilots.
Plans for Replacement
Due to these safety concerns, the Indian Army has planned to phase out the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters within the next one to two years. They will be gradually replaced by new-generation Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) over a span of eight to ten years. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is playing a pivotal role in this transition. The Army has already placed orders for six limited-series-production LUHs, which are designed to reach a top speed of 220 kmph, a service ceiling of 6.5 km, and an operational range of 350 km.
The crash in Ladakh underscores the urgent need for modernizing the Army's helicopter fleet to ensure the safety of personnel operating in challenging environments.
