An Indian Army helicopter crashed today near Mandala in Arunachal Pradesh. Two crew members - the captain and the captain - are said to be missing. The plane lost contact with air traffic controllers at 9:15 a.m., the military said.

“A Cheetah Air Force helicopter on a mission near Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh reported it to ATC at around 09:15 on 16 March 23.

The aging Chetak and Cheetah helicopters of the IAF and the army are in need of replacement, even though they are the lifeblood of the army in high altitude areas. There are about 200 Cheetah helicopters in Chetak operation today.

Last month, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande said that the army plans to induct as many as 95 light attack helicopters and 110 light attack helicopters (LUH) in the future as part of the enhancement of the overall military air campaign. enough.

An Indian military official has confirmed that "both the pilots are safe and sound", adding that the court has ordered an investigation into the accident.

Developed under the license of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Cheetah helicopter has been in service with the Indian Defense Forces since December 1973. These helicopters are operated by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Flying is a lifeline for Indian soldiers deployed on the rugged Siachen Glacier and other high mountain areas. Defense forces also use them to assist local governments during natural disasters.

While the trainer version of the Cheetah helicopter can accommodate two operators, the other version of the aircraft has two operators and space for three passengers. The multi-role, maneuverable Cheetah holds many world records to its credit for high-altitude flight.

Powered by an Artouste - III B turbine engine, the Cheetah is used for reconnaissance, reconnaissance, reconnaissance, missile support, rescue operations and high-altitude missions.