IAF deploys drones on fourth day of search operations for AN-32 aircraft

The Indian Air Force (IAF) extended search operations on Thursday for the missing aircraft AN-32. The IAF has deployed drones for the task as the search-operation enters day four.

The Forces had intensified search operations on Wednesday by involving all possible assets including light aircrafts and Cheetah helicopters which can easily manoeuvre places where large aircraft cannot be flown. Earlier, two Sukhoi-30 MKI combat aircraft and a C-130 J aircraft had carried out recon flights to locate the missing aircraft. The Air Force has also put ISRO satellites in place for assistance.

The ongoing search operations were affected by bad weather conditions in the valleys. Even so, all network including airborne sensors by the Indian Navy are being closely monitored. The ground troops are also engaged in search operations, but there are no signs of the aircraft as of now.

WATCH | IAF intensifies the search for missing aircraft AN-32 which lost ground contact, will continue through the night despite harsh weather conditions

The Indian Army further deployed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to locate the missing aircraft. When asked about the current update on the search operation, a defence spokesperson said:

"Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were also deployed today along with C-130 J and helicopters but so far, we have not been able to locate anything. The search operations will continue through the night."

Meanwhile, parents of the missing crew onboard the aircraft awaited answers from the officials. Saroj Tanwar, mother of the Flight Lieutenant Ashish Tanwar, who was flying the aircraft said: 

"I am sure the aircraft has crossed over to China. Why is the government not talking to the neighbouring country to fast-track the operations? The search operation is going on, but we have been told that due to bad weather, they could not locate the aircraft. My son told me that he would come back, but it has been four days since I heard from him." 

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Likewise, with every hour that passes by, grief-stricken families of the crewmen await news. Tanwar also put forth her desire to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

The aircraft lost contact with ground authorities at 1300 hours on Monday. It was due to land at the Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh.