Daijiworld Media Network - Leh
Leh, May 23: A Cheetah helicopter of the Indian Army crashed in the Tangste mountainous region of Ladakh, with all three occupants surviving the incident, officials confirmed on Saturday.
According to defence sources, the crash occurred on Wednesday but was officially reported on Friday. The single-engine HAL Cheetah helicopter was being operated by a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, while Major General Sachin Mehta, commander of the 3 Infantry Division, was onboard as a passenger.
The aircraft went down during a routine flight over high-altitude terrain in the rugged Tangste area. Officials said the exact cause of the crash is under investigation, and a formal inquiry has been launched to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.
Despite the severity of the crash, all three personnel survived with minor injuries. Their survival has been described as remarkable, given the difficult terrain and operational challenges in the region.
The HAL Cheetah helicopter, a licensed variant of the French Alouette III developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has long been a key asset for the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude operations such as in Ladakh and the Siachen region.
However, the ageing fleet has faced repeated safety concerns over the years. Officials noted that more than 15 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have been involved in accidents over the past decade, raising concerns over operational reliability.
In response, the Indian Army has been working on a long-term modernisation plan for its Aviation Corps, which includes phasing out the Cheetah and Chetak fleets within the next one to two years and replacing them with next-generation Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs).
The Army plans to induct around 250 LUHs in a phased manner, supported by a combination of domestic production and short-term leasing to bridge operational gaps. The new helicopters are expected to offer improved speed, altitude capability and range, enhancing performance in difficult terrains.
Officials added that while the current Cheetah fleet is still deemed airworthy within limited technical service life, the latest incident highlights the urgent need for faster fleet replacement to improve safety and operational efficiency.
No fatalities were reported in the crash, and a detailed technical investigation is underway to ensure better safety measures for future missions, particularly in sensitive and high-altitude regions like Ladakh.