New Delhi: The Indian Air Force’s AN-32 aircraft which got airborne today from Assam’s Jorhat at 12:25 PM for Menchuka Advance Landing Ground has gone missing.
The aircraft last contacted ground agencies at 1300 hrs, thereafter there has been no contact. Since the aircraft did not reach the airfield, overdue action was initiated by IAF.
A total of eight crew members and five passengers were on board the aircraft.
The IAF has launched a special search operation involving a Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft and C-130 special aircraft to locate the missing aircraft.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh tweeted following the incident and said, "Spoke to Vice Chief of @IAF_MCC, Air Marshal Rakesh Singh Bhadauria regarding the missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft which is overdue for some hours. He has apprised me of the steps taken by the IAF to find the missing aircraft. I pray for the safety of all passengers on board."
Further information will be updated as more details are available.
