Three Indian Army officers had a narrow escape after a HAL Cheetah helicopter crashed in the mountainous Tangste region near Leh, officials familiar with the matter said on Friday.
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday, though details of the crash emerged publicly on Friday. According to officials, all three occupants survived the accident with only minor injuries despite the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions of the high-altitude region.
Senior Army Officers Were On Board
Sources said the single-engine HAL Cheetah helicopter was being piloted by a lieutenant colonel and a major. The third occupant was Major General Sachin Mehta, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Infantry Division.
Officials described the survival of all three personnel as “nothing short of a miracle,” considering the difficult mountainous conditions in the Tangste area near Leh.
A detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Probe Underway Into Crash Cause
Army authorities are currently examining technical and operational factors that may have led to the accident. The crash once again brought attention to the ageing fleet of utility helicopters still being used for operations in high-altitude and remote areas.
The HAL Cheetah helicopter has long been used by the Indian armed forces for transportation, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and logistical support missions, especially in mountainous regions such as Ladakh and the northeastern sector.
Army Plans To Phase Out Ageing Cheetah And Chetak Fleet
Officials also indicated that the Indian Army plans to gradually phase out its ageing fleets of HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters over the next one to two years.
These helicopters are expected to be replaced by modern light utility helicopters over the coming eight to ten years as part of a broader military modernisation programme.
The Army’s replacement strategy includes a two-pronged approach involving the induction of indigenously manufactured light utility helicopters and the temporary leasing of similar helicopters to meet urgent operational requirements.
HAL Light Utility Helicopters To Strengthen Fleet
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to play a key role in the replacement programme. Officials said the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are likely to place combined orders for at least 187 light utility helicopters.
The Army has already placed an order for six Limited Series Production (LSP) Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). These helicopters reportedly have a top speed of 220 kmph, a service ceiling of 6.5 kilometres and an operational range of around 350 kilometres.
The planned induction is expected to significantly improve operational safety, efficiency and high-altitude capabilities for military missions in challenging terrains such as Ladakh.
