IAF AN-32 Transport Aircraft Crashes at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam; Firefighting Operations Underway

Firefighting operations are underway at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam after an Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft crashed on Saturday morning. IAF officials confirmed the accident.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam after the AN-32 accident. Defence PRO Lt. Colonel M. Rawat confirmed the incident, stating that the Indian Air Force is currently assessing the extent of losses caused by the crash.

AN-32: Backbone of IAF’s Medium-Lift Transport Fleet

The AN-32 cargo aircraft is renowned for its ability to land in hilly and inaccessible terrains, making it indispensable for operations in challenging regions. The Indian Air Force currently operates around 100 Antonov AN-32 tactical transport aircraft, down from the original 125 procured from the Soviet Union in the 1980s.  

For over four decades, the AN-32 has served as the backbone of the IAF’s medium-lift transport capability. Its rugged design and durability allow it to perform reliably in extreme conditions, including hot weather and high-altitude zones such as the Himalayas, cementing its role as a critical asset in India’s air mobility operations.