Leh: Three Indian Army officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division, narrowly escaped death after a Cheetah helicopter crashed near Tangtse in southeastern Ladakh. The accident occurred on Wednesday, though details emerged only on Saturday, according to a Times of India report.
The helicopter, piloted by a lieutenant colonel and a major, went down in the remote high-altitude region, leaving all three occupants with minor injuries. The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry to establish the cause of the crash.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the operational risks associated with the Army’s ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, which continue to serve in some of the world’s most demanding flying conditions. Aviation experts note that Ladakh’s rarefied atmosphere significantly reduces engine power and rotor lift, leaving pilots with limited power reserves and fewer options during emergencies.
Introduced into service in 1971, the Cheetah helicopter has been a crucial asset for military operations across the Himalayas. It has performed a wide range of roles, including troop support, reconnaissance, artillery observation, logistics, casualty evacuation and transportation to isolated border posts. Despite operating beyond its original design envelope at elevations exceeding 18,000 feet, the aircraft remains a vital lifeline for remote locations on the Siachen Glacier and other forward positions situated between 19,600 and 21,000 feet.
The Army is gradually moving towards replacing the ageing fleet with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) under a long-term modernisation programme. Designed specifically for extreme high-altitude operations, the LUH is capable of flying above 21,000 feet and features a modern glass cockpit, enhanced performance and multi-role capabilities. Over the coming decade, the new platform is expected to assume the demanding tasks currently performed by the decades-old Cheetah helicopters.