An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft caught fire shortly after landing at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, triggering an immediate emergency response at the military base. According to news agency ANI, five IAF personnel lost their lives in the accident, while the co-pilot survived and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
The incident occurred within the parameters of the airfield, prompting emergency response teams and fire tenders to rush to the spot to contain the blaze. Air Force officials stated that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to examine the technical and operational aspects of the incident and ascertain the exact cause of the crash.
While specific operational details remain limited, the tragic mishap has raised fresh structural concerns given the AN-32’s critical role as the backbone of military logistics, especially across difficult terrains and remote forward operational zones.
No official word yet on casualties
As firefighting operations continued at the airbase, there was no immediate confirmation regarding injuries, casualties or the extent of damage caused to the aircraft.
Officials are also yet to determine what triggered the fire, with officials expected to examine technical and operational aspects of the incident.
Investigation initiated by Indian Air Force
The Air Force has begun an inquiry into the accident to establish the cause behind the mishap. While details remain limited, the incident has raised concerns given the AN-32 aircraft’s critical role in military logistics and transport operations, particularly in difficult terrains and remote operational zones.
AN-32: The workhorse of the Indian Air Force
The Antonov AN-32 is one of the most important transport aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet and is often referred to as the backbone of India’s military transport operations.
Originally built in the Soviet Union specifically for Indian operational requirements, the twin-engine turboprop aircraft is designed to operate in extreme weather conditions, including high-altitude airfields and tropical climates.
The aircraft can carry up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, nearly 50 passengers, or around 42 paratroopers. It is extensively used for troop movement, supply drops and logistical support in remote and strategically sensitive regions. The Indian Air Force currently operates nearly 100 AN-32 aircraft.
Incident comes months after Sukhoi crash in Assam
The latest incident comes just months after a major accident involving an IAF fighter jet in Assam. In March this year, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine sortie.
The twin-seat fighter had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station before losing communication with ground control around 7:42 pm. The aircraft later crashed in a remote hilly region nearly 60 kilometres from Jorhat, killing both pilots on board.