Why in news?
On 13 June 2026 an Indian Air Force (IAF) An‑32 turboprop transport plane crashed near Jorhat in Assam during a training flight. Five crew members lost their lives. The incident raised questions about the safety of the ageing fleet and prompted an inquiry by the defence ministry.
Background
The Antonov An‑32 was developed in the 1970s as a high‑wing cargo aircraft capable of operating from short and hot runways. Its engines are mounted above the wings, which improves clearance in rough terrain. India acquired more than 100 An‑32s from the Soviet Union in the 1980s and continues to use them for transport, search and rescue and medical evacuation.
Past accidents
- In July 2016 an An‑32 carrying 29 people disappeared over the Bay of Bengal; the wreckage was found only in January 2024.
- In June 2019 another IAF An‑32 crashed in Arunachal Pradesh, killing all 13 on board.
- The aircraft can fly at altitudes up to 9,500 metres and temperatures of 55 °C but requires careful maintenance.
Conclusion
The Jorhat crash highlights the need to modernise the IAF’s transport fleet and enforce strict maintenance protocols. A phased replacement programme and improved training could prevent similar tragedies.
Source: NDTV