An Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Rowriah airbase in Assam's Jorhat on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five personnel on board. The co-pilot miraculously survived the crash and is currently undergoing treatment, according to a source.
IAF Confirms Casualties
The IAF has initiated a detailed investigation into the cause of the tragedy. In a post on X, the IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam. It identified the deceased as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, and Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The IAF extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and affirmed its support during this hour of grief.
Details of the Incident
The IAF stated that the aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie at approximately 10:00 am at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are currently underway.
Third Major AN-32 Crash in Northeast Since 2009
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep anguish over the loss of five air warriors in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam. He noted that their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude, and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief. This crash marks the third major AN-32 tragedy in the Northeast since 2009.
AN-32 Fleet and Future Plans
The Antonov An-32 serves as the backbone of the IAF's medium-lift fleet, with approximately 100 aircraft currently in operation. Originally designed and built in the erstwhile Soviet Union at the request of the IAF, it is a highly capable aircraft for remote and high-altitude regions. It is used for tactical airlifting, troop transport, and remote-area resupply. However, the fleet is aging, prompting the IAF to plan its replacement 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.
