Missing AN-32: Families are updated about search operations says Air Chief

Chennai: Four days after an AN-32 aircraft went missing over the Bay of Bengal, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Monday said extensive operations have been launched to locate the plane and reasserted the Indian Air Force’s trust in the capabilities of the transport aircraft that has been part of its fleet since 1984.

Noting that it is a very difficult moment “for all of us and we share the concerns of the distraught family members,” the Air Chief said IAF authorities are in constant touch with the family members of the missing personnel and they are being regularly updated about the efforts being made to trace the missing aircraft and personnel.

In a statement issued in New Delhi on Monday, Mr Raha said extensive operations have been launched to search for the missing aircraft and personnel.

Several aircraft with surveillance equipment of the IAF, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been flying in the area.

“A large number of ships of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, some with helicopters on board have also joined the search. It is very unfortunate that we have not been able to trace the missing aircraft and the personnel on board. Our prayers and thoughts are there with the missing personnel and their families and no effort will be spared to locate them,” he said.

Talking about the AN-32 transport aircraft, whose capabilities have come under the scanner after the latest incident, the Air Chief said in the last three decades of its operations we have exploited the capabilities of this aircraft as the workhorse of the IAF.

“Because of its excellent operational performance, AN-32 has been landing at Daulat Beg Oldie, which is the highest landing ground in the world. Needless to say that capable aircrew is chosen to fly these aircraft,” he said.